SUNDAY CONTEMPLATIONS: Controversy Around Food Stamps — Are They GOOD or BAD??? - The DV Walking Wounded:
I posted something controversial on Facebook last week, I guess. It was about Food Stamps. Here’s my post:
I guess I stirred up a proverbial hornets nest. My goal is not to make people angry, necessarily, but to get them to think about BOTH sides. However, responses to posts like this really show how narrow minded people can be. I have to silently bless them and be thankful on their behalf that they’ve never had to struggle to know “truths” behind financially struggling and nearly becoming homeless! I know I do the “silently blessing” of people when they show me their ignorance of domestic abuse, forgiving them for their not knowing, when I nearly died. I ask God to grant them educational perspective, if I’m being completely honest. I wouldn’t wish DV on ANYONE, EVER! Nor would I wish hunger and poverty struggling on them either!
I have always touted the importance of food stamps to those whom are struggling. As a Christian, I have always wanted to help care for those that were struggling and not having a good time of caring for themselves: poverty-stricken families, single parents, disabled, elderly, children. However, as a Conservative, I have always silently and mildly worried about people being on them because they were just simply “lazy” and/or “playing the system.” My Christian convictions have always won out, because I feel as though there is more good than bad to them.
I never personally have qualified for food stamps, at any time in my life. Like ever. I have always made “too much,” despite being as responsible as possible and at all levels of jobs that I’ve had (or even multitude of jobs). Personally, I have struggled with being newly married, a new mother (3X), between jobs, and in the throws of trying to escape from domestic abuse — all at various times in my life. I did qualify for WIC, or I should say my children and I did, but never food stamps. We have experienced a “food deficit” at various times (and sometimes even now). I, from time to time, visit food pantries. I used coupons and shop sales. It’s how I cope. I DO NOT, however, disparage anyone from trying to feed their family. I will go over WIC in a future post, I promise!
My DV advocate had to even pep talk me about standing in food pantry lines, “Laura, it’s not about your pride, it’s about feeding your kids. And if you don’t feed yourself too, you’re no good to them.” MIND BLOWN! She was SO right!
And let’s keep in mind that healthy food is cheaper than junk food. I know it costs more to produce “organic” foods, but simple fruits and veggies and healthier choices should NOT cost more than junk food. Milk and egg prices are getting out of hand, honestly. Please notice, if you haven’t already, that healthy foods go around the perimeter of the grocery store, with all of the boxed, canned, and processed foods being in the middle. Also keep in mind that it is usually cheaper to buy the ingredients to fix meals, than it is to pay for “instant” or “quick fix” foods — convenience is expensive. All things to keep in mind.
Now, let’s delve into what Food Stamps are, Pros and Cons, and how the Bible views the concept of utilizing food stamps.
Understanding Food Stamps: A Practical and Biblical Perspective
Food stamps—officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—are a vital resource for millions of Americans. Designed to alleviate food insecurity, SNAP provides low-income individuals and families with financial assistance to buy groceries. Yet, despite its practical importance, food stamps remain a topic of political, social, and even moral debate.
In this post, we’ll explore what food stamps are, why they’re controversial, who qualifies for them, and how one might view their use through a biblical lens.
What Are Food Stamps?
Food stamps (SNAP) are government-issued benefits that help eligible individuals and families afford groceries. These benefits are loaded monthly onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card and can be used at most grocery stores and select farmers’ markets.
SNAP doesn’t cover everything. It cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, supplements, or hot/prepared foods. The goal is to support nutritional health while discouraging misuse.
Controversy Around Food Stamps: Pros and Cons
PROS:
- Reduces hunger: SNAP helps alleviate food insecurity, especially among children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
- Boosts the economy: Every dollar spent in SNAP benefits generates an estimated $1.50–$1.80 in economic activity.
- Supports health: With access to food, recipients are less likely to suffer from malnutrition-related health problems.
- Provides a safety net: Life is unpredictable—SNAP offers stability during financial crises caused by job loss, illness, or emergencies.
CONS:
- Fraud and abuse concerns: Critics argue that some recipients misuse benefits or that fraud can occur in the system.
- Dependency stigma: There’s a societal perception that long-term use may discourage work and promote dependency.
- Budget concerns: Some policymakers argue the program is too costly and advocate for cuts or stricter regulations.
- Cultural attitudes: The idea of receiving government assistance often clashes with American ideals of self-reliance and personal responsibility.
These opposing views create tension, often reflected in heated political debates, particularly around federal budget discussions or welfare reform efforts.
Eligibility and Use Requirements
To be eligible for SNAP, applicants must meet criteria including:
- Income limits: Gross monthly income usually must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty line.
- Assets: Most households must have less than $2,750 in countable resources ($4,250 if a household member is disabled or over 60).
- Work requirements: Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) must meet work or job training requirements to continue receiving benefits.
- Citizenship: Recipients must be U.S. citizens or meet specific immigration criteria.
States administer SNAP individually, so eligibility rules and benefit amounts may vary slightly by location.
A Biblical Perspective on Food Stamps
Christians often seek spiritual guidance when considering modern-day issues like welfare and government aid. Though the Bible doesn’t mention food stamps specifically, it provides timeless wisdom on poverty, charity, and compassion.
1. God’s Heart for the Poor
Scripture consistently shows God’s concern for the hungry and impoverished:
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” – Proverbs 19:17
“If anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” – 1 John 3:17
Rather than shame, the Bible promotes dignity, support, and justice for the poor. SNAP, as a means to provide for the hungry, aligns with this heart of compassion.
2. Responsibility and Work
The Bible also emphasizes personal responsibility:
“If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:10
This verse, often quoted in welfare debates, is not about those who can’t work but about those who won’t. SNAP includes work requirements for able-bodied adults, which supports this biblical principle while still offering support to the vulnerable.
3. Community and Sharing
In Acts 2:44-45, early Christians pooled resources to meet each other’s needs. While SNAP is a government program, the underlying principle of caring for the community mirrors biblical values.
Final Thoughts
There are things Food Stamps should not and do not cover, such as tobacco products and alcoholic beverages — and rightly so. Those are “wants” not “needs. However, I feel as though Food Stamps should cover a bit more than just food. OTC medications one might need (ibuprofen, first aid supplies, etc.), cleaning products, and diapers and wipes for babies and young children. WIC might be a better outlet for the “diapers and wipes” debate, but I digress. I also had one disgruntled person tell me that people would buy OTC medicines to manufacture meth with. There will ALWAYS be the few individuals that ruin it for the many! In that same argument, people can purchase vinegar and baking soda (with Food Stamps) to make cleaners with, but even that is still limited in its usages. Dignity and basic cleanliness should not come at such a high cost. Even laundry detergent has to have other cleaning products thrown together to make it and bleach is not a food item.
Food stamps are more than just a line item in a budget—they’re a reflection of how we care for one another. From a policy perspective, SNAP plays a crucial role in fighting hunger. From a biblical perspective, helping the poor, feeding the hungry, and treating people with dignity are values deeply rooted in God’s Word.
Whether one supports reform, expansion, or limitations on SNAP, it’s important to move past stigma and engage in compassionate, informed dialogue—especially for people of faith. Poverty is not a moral failure. It is a social reality that requires collective response, guided by wisdom, justice, and love. And if you’ve ever been in a poverty situation, it’s very depressing and hard to get out of, BUT not impossible. Please, as always, be kind and think of both sides. Think: what would Jesus do?
