Comments on: Food Stamp Saga continues…

By: Milehimama

Milehimama — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:46:50 +0000

Yes, WIC gives an allotment for fresh fruit and vegetables if you are breastfeeding. You can’t buy potatoes with it or bagged salad, but almost any other fruit/veg is eligible.

By: Melanie

Melanie — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:36:38 +0000

Here in AL, you can use EBT at farmer’s markets, at least at ones that are set up for it. Hopefully they’ll start that in your area!

I also recently noticed signs in the grocery store stating that WIC can be used on fresh produce now, too. Not sure what the restrictions are on that since WIC is different than food stamps, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction!

By: Shannon

Shannon — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:28:44 +0000

Oh geez- you know, I think they make it so hard and soul crushing to discourage you from actually getting the benefits.

I, too, wish that you could use food stamps at farmer’s markets. I hope you’re successful with getting that noticed.

By: Alexandra

Alexandra — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:13:52 +0000

I think I would have fallen out after all this! Prayers for your continued sanity. Keep contacting your representative, or even your local news station. We have a news station here that takes up these sorts of problems in the community – weekly spot. Public embarrassment always seems to get the wheels turning in your favor.

By: Clare

Clare — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:23:04 +0000

Oh dear. So we aren’t the only ones?

Sadly this kind of lassitude and indifference is shockingly commonplace. I guess most recipients of benefits are too exhausted by dealing with the vagaries of the system, plus their own domestic circumstances to take on the complaints procedure as well.
More power to you Milehi. I hope your experience, and your ability to articulate it so clearly, will be of benefit to those who can’t speak up and whose voices don’t have any clout.

By: Tia

Tia — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:53:53 +0000

I have nothing of value to say – only that man, that really sucks. Incompetence breed incompetence and it seems government offices are in the midst of an epidemic. At least the Houston Food Stamp office.

By: beckye

beckye — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:11:29 +0000

oh no. That stinks. If you were still in SC I would share some of our garden stuff. I wish I could help.

By: Milehimama

Milehimama — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 03:48:06 +0000

I did contact the ombudsman and got to a supervisor in Austin, who couldn’t believe how suckish my case worker is (that’s my word, BTW. The Austin lady was completely helpful and professional). Found out she didn’t even put baby Alli in the computer, didn’t bother to certify any of the children under the age of 6, and printed out the food stamp letter saying we were certified but then DIDN’T FINISH certifying us at all. Unfortunately, the office – and my case worker – have 7 days to respond to the ombudsman.

Meanwhile, I’m trying to work out if I can speak at a meeting concerning certifying farmer’s markets to take the food stamp card. It’s not right that you can buy a Snickers at Conoco with EBT but not a bunch of broccoli at a farmer’s market. There’s a food policy group I just found out about but their meeting is on Wednesday!

By: Donna

Donna — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 01:30:50 +0000

Time to move it higher. Contact your state representative and senator. Let them know what is going on. Then think about contacting the press.

I always hate to go that route, but is sounds like you may need that type of higher up support.