The Government is Encouraging More Food Stamp Usage, Calling it “Stimulus”

We have hit a new low ladies and gentleman.  Our very own Department of Agriculture is actively trying to push more and more people into the food stamp program, or SNAP.  The reason?  They think it is an economic stimulus!  Only Paul Krugman could be proud of such a stupidity.  From the USDA’s website:

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the cornerstone of the Nation’s nutrition safety net and an investment in our future. The FSP offers the opportunity for improved nutrition and progress toward economic self-sufficiency for participants. Even a small increase in SNAP participation can have a substantial economic impact since every $5 in new SNAP benefits generates $9.20 in additional community spending.

But wait, it gets even better.  They also suggest Americans throw food stamp parties to encourage their neighbors to sign up.  Also from the USDA:

Throw a Great Party. Host social events where people mix and mingle.
Make it fun by having activities, games, food, and entertainment, and
provide information about SNAP. Putting SNAP information in a game
format like BINGO, crossword puzzles, or even a “true/false” quiz is
fun and helps get your message across in a memorable way.

For more, please see these links here and here.

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8 thoughts on “The Government is Encouraging More Food Stamp Usage, Calling it “Stimulus””

  1. you left out the part where they spent millions on PSAs to advertise the program and peter shif did not comment on it but I will . the “actors” reading the parts were using “inner city” accents nice way to steriotype people im shure thay saw it as “reaching the target group” (makes me SICK) honest to god is this ACCUALY happening? i imean how far can this freak show continue shamble along?? there ARE limits right ? MIKE tell me there are limits PLEASE! they CAN’T seriously think that this CIRCLE JERK is sustainable? they kow that this model runs out fo FOOD eventualy rightt? i mean it is in the MATH for crist sake

    Reply
  2. Great post along with the previous. Any shopper should realize the massive inflationary price increases at the grocery store being camouflaged by shrinking package sizes (5lb sugar now 4lb – same price, foam chocolate Hershey bars, 20-pak cokes instead of 24…). As the food bill expands in the max’d out household, the mortgage loan default is the next thing in line. The SNAP program is therefore the means of propping up the banks.

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  3. Hey, Michael:
    Good catch.
    @Doug: Propping up the banks? Sure, it has that effect; after all JPMC administers the Food Stamp system (Quick, look shocked! Yeah, I know.) But I think the real answer is to be found right here:

    http://www.technologyreview.com/view/425019/the-cause-of-riots-and-the-price-of-food/

    Remember, a thousand people in a soup kitchen line, while always a symbol containing information to those that won’t look away, has potential energies, also. It can turn into a riot, into a movement, or both–in short order. The 40 or 50 million SNAP users here represent one of this country’s largest ever soup lines, but it’s virtual, invisible, atomized down to the household level.
    I would also add that, just as Doug identified one side-effect, another is fomenting dependency on the state. By intentionally growing that constituency, the controllers hope to create a politico-social version of Stockholm Syndrome, wherein the implied threat is: “Destabilize the State and I cannot feed you. Play nice.”
    All rolled into one, principle goals, side-effects, what-have-you, I think you can put paid to the diabolical clarity of Henry Kissinger: (paraphrase) Who controls the oil, controls the nation. Who controls the food, controls the population.

    Peace Out.

    Reply
    • @Doug: Excellent citation: exactly what my comment needed. Well done. Thank you.
      What head-of-household, his family’s food needs met by a SNAP card, is going to risk its termination by participating in a pro-liberty demonstration? I think it’s becoming obvious that the cotton twine of the social safety net is camouflaging an iron control grid beneath. And when you realize that it’s the frumpy, benign USDA that’s “combating (citizen) self-reliance” it’s plain to see that every government organ, no matter how far afield from politics it’s purview might be, is doing its part of build the trap. When society’s pot boils over, it’ll slam shut.
      Thanks, again.

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