[HPFGU-OTChatter] US Government oddness

[Iggy McSnurd]

> From: Saitaina 
> 
> Okay, why is it that you cannot buy hot food
> (Fast food, prepared hot food) on a EBT/Food
> Stamp account (er, food stamps is goverment
> assistance for food products in the US) but
> CAN buy a stuffed toy so long as he comes
> with a tiny, tiny box of candy?  *shakes
> head*  Oh well,at least I have a fun toy!
> *hugs V-day Garfield*

Iggy here:

I can tell you exactly why... having been on food stamps a number of
times myself...

Anything that's "prepared" by someone else (that is, actually assembled
at the time of purchase... such as a burger, a pizza, or even a deli
sandwich) is considered to be a luxury item of sorts.

Candy, since it's assembled in advance (as are TV dinners, frozen pizza,
and *some* pre-made sandwiches) and not assembled for you
specifically... especially at the time of purchase... is allowable as a
necessity item.  

Why can you buy the stuffed animal toy and get away with it since it has
a small thing of candy?  Easy... The toy is part of the packaging.
(Just like a toy surprise that may come with a box of cereal.) They can
reasonably assume that you're buying the candy, and just happening to
get the toy just as easily as you buying the toy and just happening to
get the candy.

Get it?  (It helps, when dealing with the government and its policies,
to take out your brain and set it on the desk next to you as you ponder
why they decide things as they do...)

Iggy McSnurd