[steve86]

this would be a good time to overhaul the entire system and restrict the foods that can be purchased to the essentials

Your sentiment has been posted on FR hundreds of times.

The reality is that the international food conglomerates, their distributors, retailers and lobbyists are dead set against that. They won't allow that to happen. They all play golf with congressman and senators.

It isn't a problem with the recipients "demanding" the fancy stuff. It is the manufacturers and sellers too comfortable with the gravy train or higher-margin items.

The reform has been attempted and failed due to the above reason.

Many recipients, if candid, will admit that it would be better if they could get only the more basic stuff (but not TOO basic -- MANY don't know how to prepare food).

[dennisw]

Many recipients, if candid, will admit that it would be better if they could get only the more basic stuff (but not TOO basic -- MANY don't know how to prepare food).

As in how do you cook dry pinto beans which I recently saw a 2lb bag for $1.40. Beans are good filling protein but is the EBT card holder edumacted enough (by her mama) to soak and cook beans? 

This requires some planning such as soaking them for 12-18 hours before cooking. I'll bet that zero Hispanic women with EBT cards have a problem cooking beans and good for them!!!

[lapsus calami]

 

 

You are one of the few who actually gets what the game is. The food manufacturers/retailers have a guaranteed clientele, with guaranteed steady paychecks from uncle sam. With this sort of consistent customer base one of the advantages for them is that they can anticipate their financial scenarios with more predictability. The profit margin in the grocery business is very low - something like 1-3% - they're not going to care who someone is, what they buy, how expensive it is or how much of it, just as long as they get their money from the government, it's all good for them.