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Americans and Food Stamps  by Nikki Willhite  In the United States we have many safety nets for people who are  in financial need. One of those is food stamps. In the last issue of our local paper, I was surprised to see that one quarter of the people in our city use them. That really  surprised me, as it is not reflected in the houses or cars people drive in this area. I also wondered why I hadn't noticed it in the grocery stores. I  decided to do a little research on food stamps. Note that this information is for Washington State as of December,  2011. The first thing I learned was that food stamps are now issued in  the form of a debt card. No one knows that you are using them except the clerk. Eligibility for basic food is based on your monthly income  (before taxes) and your household size. Your expenses are also  examined such as housing payments and child care. These will  determine what your benefit will be. However, if you income is below a certain level, your monthly  expenses are not even examined. For instance, in WA State, two  people living in a household that make under $2,452 a month  automatically qualify for food stamps. Here are some of the things you can buy with your card: - Breads and cereals - Fruits and vegetables - Cheese, milk and other dairy products - Meats, fish, poultry and eggs - Most other food items that are not prepared hot foods - Seeds and plants that produce food for your household Things you cannot do or buy include: - Exchanged for cash - Used by and for people who are not in your household - Food in restaurants - Hot Foods - Food that will be eaten in the store - Soaps, paper products - Household supplies - Vitamins or medicines - Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco Everyone wants to be self-sufficient. However, things happen.  If you need it, take advantage of this safety net. Keep  your family healthy eating the fresh fruits and vegetables that  build their bodies for a lifetime and keep you healthy.   About the Author: Nikki Willhite, mother of 3 and an interior design graduate, has been writing and publishing articles on the topic of frugal living for over a decade. Visit her at www.frugalhappyfamilies.com - where you will find hundreds of frugal living tips and articles. Frugal Happy Families- more than just money!

 

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