My friend needs help with a project about food stamps, does anyone have any suggestions what she needs to know

Question

My friend is having a big essay that she needs to do about food stamps, & she has no idea where to start. She's getting really stressed out, & I'd appreciate any feedback about this particular topic. Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Well, to start with, not everyone who uses food stamps is poverty-stricken...most just are having a hard time making ends meet. My husband and I used them while he was out of work after having knee surgery (he is our only income, and I was a full time student). Food stamps really helped us out, so we didn't have to completely drain our resources.
They used to be in paper form; they looked a lot like monopoly money. Now, most states issue EBT cards....they act a lot like a debit card...at the beginning of the month you start with an ammount, and it automaticaly deducts when you buy food. (EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer).
You can only buy food with them...not diapers, or cat food, or other non-food items.
Some people definitely take advantage of them, and it's punishable by law...either a serious fine, jailtime, or both.
Tell your friend she can get all the information she needs at her local Social Services (they'll be listed), and she may even put something in her essay about WIC - Women, Infants, Children...through the local Health Department. They help people buy things like formula, milk, cheese, cereal...and lots of other healthy foods.
Good Luck!