Posted on 10/14/2011 4:57:59 PM PDT by bkopto
The European Union is considering a roughly 75 percent cut in funding for a program that helps feed 18 million of its poorest citizens.
The cuts, set to take effect after New Year's, would come at a time of rising unemployment and consumer food prices in many parts of Europe, as well as overall economic turmoil on the continent. The looming cuts already have raised fears among people who rely heavily on the program.
"We poor, small people, we cannot face up to this," said Rene Waltener, 41, who is unemployed and married with four children. "We sometimes have difficulties getting through the month, so a bit of milk here, a tin of cassoulet, a bit of yogurt — the kids are happy with that and it allows us to continue."
The Food for the Deprived program dates back to 1987. At first, it relied heavily on food surpluses from farms that benefited from a bloated and inefficient subsidy regime. But over time, as the farming became more efficient, food was increasingly purchased on the market to keep the program going.
SNIP
Harry Gschwindt of the Brussels Food Bank put the potential cut in simple terms.
"This year we received 19 different products. Next year it's only going to be four. It's tomato soup, it's rice, milk rice and chicken," he said. Gone are milk, sugar, corn and fish, and other contributions.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Looks like Europe has its own share of morons who are quite generous --- with the taxpayer's wallet.
Clearly, being poor and helpless requires no effort. Why would someone on welfare have four children?
Because he can.
Followed by a crash in sales of humus and felafel.
Oh come on Rene.
With your experience, I’m sure you could get a job as a midwife. I noticed you are married, but the article had no comment on your husband’s career path. Is he in jail? Have you two just been sitting around on the dole pooping out the next generation of welfare sucks?
Take a cue from old man Straga in Czechloslovakia and his career path. He had a pedal powered grinding wheel and a small coal fired distillery mounted on a cart he pulled around town, sharpening peoples knives and sharpening their witch’s brew....for a fee of course.
You’re in even better shape than he was. You have four young punks to pull your cart while you teach them the values of self-support.
Get off your dead butt and onto your dying feet.....and get your tubes tied.
I have little sympathy for socialist or communist countries ... they’ve gotten exactly what they prayed for ... a socialist utopia!
I think they are starting to wake up given the muslim birth rates versus the european birth rates.
“The European Union is considering a roughly 75 percent cut in funding for a program that helps feed 18 million of its poorest citizens”
Comment overheard in the EU cloakroom:
“Let them eat cake....”
Just speculatin’....
Assuming the reporter is competent, the name Rene is probably a male. Not sure what you'd call a man that aids in childbirth.
True. Lower subsidies equals lower taxes, so more money for those who work. Eliminating price subsidies lowers prices, helping the poor afford more food.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.