Food stamps, which went paperless in 2004, are now easier to use at Farmer’s Markets thanks to help from the government and non-profits, which have made the costly EBT (electronic benefit transfer) terminals more widely available. I’m thrilled that this critical improvement will allow recipients of food stamps, whose numbers grow daily, to have access to healthier and fresher foods than they would otherwise. The EBT terminals, which cost around $1,100 each, were previously unthinkable for most markets, which in addition to needing one for every farmer, also had to power the machines outdoors. Supplemental funding and wireless machines have enabled hundreds of thousands of terminals to be placed in farmers hands over the past few years.
The next step will be to inform users that they can use their EBT debit cards at the market now, a place unfortunately long considered only available to the well-heeled. Just as Costco’s recent acceptance of food stamps was a huge victory towards improving the nutritional options of individuals and families using food stamps, the farmer’s market programs will help a huge number of Americans eat a healthier diet.
CATEGORIES: Environment, Global Health
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- Worldchanging
there has to be control on who uses these programs (EBT). the more people are enrolled, the more complacent they become; thus, their children see the lifestyle their parents live, how easy it is to get government assistance; then they do NOT WORK OR GET EDUCATED. STOP THE ABUSE OF EBT programs!
Re: ETrev
The amount that individuals are allotted on a monthly basis is laughable–approximately $160 per month. I am hard-pressed to believe that, on that negligible amount, anyone is able to become complacent. As someone who’s been on EBT myself, I can tell you that food stamps are no luxury. Stretching them to supply a month’s worth of food was a challenge, and when I ran out, I resorted to cereal. I doubt very seriously that any child with a parent on foodstamps is observing that lifestyle as one to aspire to. It’s a struggle. Moreover, because income is the most significant indicator of obesity risk, it’s crucial that families be encouraged to seek out groceries at the store rather than subsist on substandard fast food that many have to resort to because it’s the cheapest option. Of course abuse of any program should be stopped, but seeking out government assistance is not a weakness and is not an “easy” option.
On a final note, please consider what it is like to have to divulge all financial history, medical history, bank account statements, and other personal information to a stranger at an assistance office so that you can afford to eat.
I just want to take this to a positive note… This is a wonderful thing!! People that are on this program usually can not find a job or was laid off and need assistance. Others may take advantage of it but who knows!! Right now most of the people that use the EBT cards get nothing but junk that is filled with corn syrup and other harmful things. I personally think this is a wonderful option for people that use the cards. Since this is able to be done they can go get fresh organic local items off the EBT card. However, it may still be a little higher then what they are use to but it will definetly be so much better for them!!
One can understand the idea that an individual can become complacent no matter what. Your parents give you everything, that is how you grow up, and probably will instill that lifestyle in your Children. Your parents give you nothing, you probably will grow up and do the same, unless of course you have a mind of your own. This is all discrimination. Everything is based on person per factor. I grew up in a household where EBT was used early on, I remember it, but never at the age of 6 or so did I think, ‘Oh mommy has 3 kids and daddy left, life is easy this way so I am going to become complacent.’ Everyone’s situation is different and it is ignorant to suggest otherwise.