Costco to accept food stamps nationwide

PORTLAND, Ore. - With many families suddenly struggling to feed themselves, the big warehouse clubs known for king-size packages of steak and jumbo boxes of Cheerios are increasingly competing with grocery stores for the 36 million Americans now on food stamps.

Costco Wholesale Corp. said Wednesday that it would start accepting food stamps at its warehouse clubs nationwide after testing them at stores in New York. That is a big about-face for a chain that has catered to the bargain-hunting affluent with its gourmet foods, and a reflection of the fact food-stamp use has hit new highs.

WOW! I was doing a Google search in hopes of finding someplace that accepts EBT (That’s food stamps for those of you who are slower than the rest of the Union) and I stumbled across this site and these posts.
I understand there is a very high likelihood that this response to the ignorance I read in this forum will be ignored but none the less...

Yes, I use “food stamps” and NO I DO NOT carry ANY shame or guilt for doing so.
I am fortunate enough that before my husband/father of our two children was killed on October 13Th 2006 that the two of us had paid enough into TAXES, so now that he is no longer here for his children and myself I am ABLE to utilize the food program that WE PAID INTO!
So as far as having a separate line for “stampers” and as far as “stampers” being unable to think for themselves...
This “stamper” is able to not ONLY think for herself but is able to raise two children and keep one in college on one income with the aid of only $200.00 per month for groceries.
Perhaps next time the issue of “stampers” is brought up, or next time you are in line and the person in front of you pulls out the dreaded EBT card you will stop for just one second before you pass your judgments. Maybe you might use your head and think that maybe that person and their children are suffering a loss of huge proportions; such as the unexpected early demise of their spouse/parent.

Oh and by the way!
If you people were using YOUR brains you might realize that if a store was to provide a separate line for “stampers” or any other group of individuals then that store would be guilty of separatism as well as liable. It is not necessary that the checker/clerk ring the items separately when ringing out a “stamper”, the COMPUTER is able to use it’s brain as it was PROGRAMED to do.

I just thank GOD that before my husband was taken from us he had the time, morals, and ethics to help me to instill values and empathy (FYI completely different from sympathy)into our children. I know that neither one of them will ever be so ignorant to make such callous and ridiculous assumptions.
One more thing... My son is a student at the U.W.
A very prestigious and successful college, I don’t suppose you attended college for anything more than a 2 or 4 year cert. ?

I’m sorry for the loss of your husband. I’m certain it has been devastating in myriad ways.

Most FReepers appreciate that social welfare systems like the food stamp program are important and valuable as a safety net for individuals in exactly your position. There’s no shame in that. None. (Were dear Mr. Chroma to die this morning, I might very well use an EBT card for whatever time it took to find a job and stability.)

I’m guessing that the comments that offended you were directed at those in our society for whom such programs are a lifestyle, sometimes spanning generations. At times, here, we speak in an arcane shorthand and the “givens” are tacitly understood.

Again, please accept my sympathy for your loss and hopes that the pain eases in time.

Also, welcome to FreeRepublic!

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