With our national debt rising every year, there are many things that are contributing to it. Programs like food stamp benefits are meant for low income people struggling to provide food for their family. However, there are many that will take advantage of this program throughout history. In the last eighty years, food programs have been modified and reformed, and none of them seem to work without increasing the debt ratio. It is imperative better ways of organization of the program are formed. The food stamp program is in jeopardy of deteriorating over time from the low eligibility requirements, over usage by immigrant recipients, and potential misuse.
In the beginning of the food stamp program, just about anyone qualified for food stamp benefits, even immigrants. The program goes back a little over eight years. The program as established at a time where it was needed. Grieger and Danziger, discovered that the food stamp program started during the Great Depression, which took place during 1939-1943. At this time, the program worked great for thousands of Americans that did not know where their next meal was coming from (p. 1602). The program started with great intentions, but the government was a little too trusting in people. Some people took advantage of the program and many people benefited from food stamp benefits. Alex Roarty, suggested that since the Great Depression over forty million people use food stamps benefits because of the loose eligibilities required and suggest that forty-one percent of Americans want tougher eligibility requirements (“Most Americans Want Tougher Food Stamp Requirements”). Since 1971, the recipients of the food stamps program has increased by over twenty-five million (p. 1602). The rapid growth is alarming and concerning. Its concerning because if he number of recipients continue to rise the federal funding is sure to run out of money for food benefits. The program started out with such loose requirements for immigrants that in the nineties it was once again modified. Many people began entering in to the United States illegally, but …show more content…
Sometimes people will sell or trade their benefits for other things they might need through the month, items that are not covered by this program. Sadly, fraudulent behavior and trafficking of food stamps takes money away from the program meant to supplement families in poverty. Food Review found that greater penalties have been enforced since 1996 for those who get caught participating in fraudulent activities, offenders can be permanently removed from the program or sent to prison. (“New Welfare Law Reduces Food Stamps Benefits” p. 32). According to Forest Jones, one in seven Americans is using their food stamp for their form of payment at the grocery store. Food stamps have always had a lot of attention and many proposals to lower the deficit (“One in Seven Americans Rely on Food Stamps”). This is one way the government has tried to enforce people abusing the program. According to, Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Massachusetts, said, “There is a real risk that we could lose some of these programs that provide a circle of protection to people who are poor” (Jones). With the government not able to watch every one receiving benefits and how they spend it. It is a real danger that eventually the government might run out of money to fund the program due to dishonest
In the beginning of the food stamp program, just about anyone qualified for food stamp benefits, even immigrants. The program goes back a little over eight years. The program as established at a time where it was needed. Grieger and Danziger, discovered that the food stamp program started during the Great Depression, which took place during 1939-1943. At this time, the program worked great for thousands of Americans that did not know where their next meal was coming from (p. 1602). The program started with great intentions, but the government was a little too trusting in people. Some people took advantage of the program and many people benefited from food stamp benefits. Alex Roarty, suggested that since the Great Depression over forty million people use food stamps benefits because of the loose eligibilities required and suggest that forty-one percent of Americans want tougher eligibility requirements (“Most Americans Want Tougher Food Stamp Requirements”). Since 1971, the recipients of the food stamps program has increased by over twenty-five million (p. 1602). The rapid growth is alarming and concerning. Its concerning because if he number of recipients continue to rise the federal funding is sure to run out of money for food benefits. The program started out with such loose requirements for immigrants that in the nineties it was once again modified. Many people began entering in to the United States illegally, but …show more content…
Sometimes people will sell or trade their benefits for other things they might need through the month, items that are not covered by this program. Sadly, fraudulent behavior and trafficking of food stamps takes money away from the program meant to supplement families in poverty. Food Review found that greater penalties have been enforced since 1996 for those who get caught participating in fraudulent activities, offenders can be permanently removed from the program or sent to prison. (“New Welfare Law Reduces Food Stamps Benefits” p. 32). According to Forest Jones, one in seven Americans is using their food stamp for their form of payment at the grocery store. Food stamps have always had a lot of attention and many proposals to lower the deficit (“One in Seven Americans Rely on Food Stamps”). This is one way the government has tried to enforce people abusing the program. According to, Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Massachusetts, said, “There is a real risk that we could lose some of these programs that provide a circle of protection to people who are poor” (Jones). With the government not able to watch every one receiving benefits and how they spend it. It is a real danger that eventually the government might run out of money to fund the program due to dishonest