Food Stamp Use Soars and Stigma Fades

  I had a reader of Howard's Notebook send me a link to Tthe New York Times and an story "Across U.S., Food Stamp Use Soars and Stigma Fades." 

"MARTINSVILLE, Ohio — With food stamp use at record highs and climbing every month, a program once scorned as a failed welfare scheme now helps feed one in eight Americans and one in four children…"

  The friend sent the link because I had posted a entry here about food stamps and  that I think I could get food stamps if I applied.  I think I could get about $274.00 a month in food stamps.
   I think any American that needs help getting food on the table and meets the guide line (income near or below the federal poverty line) should apply.  I think I am in that group but I admit I can not bring myself to apply… I think Americans should apply but I feel that "stigma" … If I did apply I would post it here and tell you about it.. Because that is who I am and what I do and I tell you everything…  But if I did get food stamps I think I try and shop at the store when there were few people in the check out line.  I know that is the wrong feeling and that I should not feel like that but I would shame.   I wonder why I think it is OK for people that need it and I one of those people but I can not bring myself to apply? 
    Food stamps is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 
    I may be wrong but I think SNAP is welfare. Republicans like to make Americans think that Social Security, un-employment insurance and Medicare are all welfare programs.  They are not.  We all paid money into the Social Security program when we were working.  It is the same with un-employment insurance.  The company we worked for paid into the program for us.  Medicare is the same.. We paid for it and in fact we still pay for it.  We pay about $100.00 a month for the health care insurance.
    I have no problem getting my health care.  I never got un-employment money because I never had a problem getting a job. I would have a problem getting SNAP money.
    If I was getting SNAP money and I had a card and I was in the check out line at a store and the card would not work and the employee got on the PA system and said  something about man needs help with his food stamp/SNAP card I think I would die right on the spot.
    I am thinking about food stamps SNAP.  
 

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