Frappes for Food Stamps: Posh or Not?

A Fox investigation has revealed that government issued subsidies, in this case, FOOD STAMPS, are being used for "luxury" food purchases at Starbucks. Food stamps have been thought of as mechanisms for financial assistance on " food staples" and "more necessary" items, and therefore this new revelation is reported to have caused "OUTRAGE" across the country.

Since hearing the news, public comments arise:

• 'It's crazy, they're overpriced as it is. That's money that somebody could be eating with -- a loaf of bread, a gallon of milk. There are a lot of loopholes.'




• 'If tax dollars are being used to feed poor people in need then fine, but use the tax dollars for staples, not luxuries. Change the law. End the waste and fraud.'

According to guidelines from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, food stamp users cannot buy hot foods or foods that will be eaten in the store. However, store registers classify items as “groceries”, and if it’s cold, its valid for food stamp purchase.

A spokesperson for the State Department of Human Services said they weren't aware of the loophole in the program being exploited and the issue will be investigated.

I’m not sure this issue is posh or not? Starbucks food isn’t the most “filling”, but at the end of the day, should the federal government be able to regulate what one purchases to this extreme?