Food stamps benefit students despite negative stigma
Yewande Addie
Issue date: 9/8/06 Section: Lifestyles
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After class, many students hurry to their collegiate abode for one thing and one thing only - food.
After rummaging through the fridge and seeing the same empty corners and baking soda box, they ponder on a solution.
The first thought might be to head to the grocery store and pick up some food, but those who are hindered by financial limitations may find this a bit challenging.
One alternative many college students are turning to is food stamps. The Food Stamp Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
This program provides food to low-income citizens in the United States.
The Department of Children and Families mandates that college students ages 18 to 49, who are registered as at least part-time students in either a college or institution of higher education, are eligible for food stamps.
They must also do one of the following: receive public assistance benefits under a Title IV-A program, take part in a state or federally-financed work study program or work at least 20 hours per week.
Derrick Williams, a fourth-year engineering student, explained how helpful food stamps have been to him as a college student.
"This is my second year using food stamps, and since I started, I have been able to use the money that I would be spending on groceries for other things like gas and supplies for my major," said the 21-year-old student from Orlando.
Although there are benefits to participating in the Food Stamp Program, there are some who object to the idea of using food stamps and only see the negative stigma associated with them.
Ashlae Butler, 19, a second-year pharmacy student from Tampa had some strong reservations about food stamps.
"I don't think it is too bad for college students (to use them), because they are already sucking us dry with other expenses, but I don't agree with the people who are just living off the system, while there are so many people out there that work hard and still can't afford to get what they need," Butler said.
After rummaging through the fridge and seeing the same empty corners and baking soda box, they ponder on a solution.
The first thought might be to head to the grocery store and pick up some food, but those who are hindered by financial limitations may find this a bit challenging.
One alternative many college students are turning to is food stamps. The Food Stamp Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
This program provides food to low-income citizens in the United States.
The Department of Children and Families mandates that college students ages 18 to 49, who are registered as at least part-time students in either a college or institution of higher education, are eligible for food stamps.
They must also do one of the following: receive public assistance benefits under a Title IV-A program, take part in a state or federally-financed work study program or work at least 20 hours per week.
Derrick Williams, a fourth-year engineering student, explained how helpful food stamps have been to him as a college student.
"This is my second year using food stamps, and since I started, I have been able to use the money that I would be spending on groceries for other things like gas and supplies for my major," said the 21-year-old student from Orlando.
Although there are benefits to participating in the Food Stamp Program, there are some who object to the idea of using food stamps and only see the negative stigma associated with them.
Ashlae Butler, 19, a second-year pharmacy student from Tampa had some strong reservations about food stamps.
"I don't think it is too bad for college students (to use them), because they are already sucking us dry with other expenses, but I don't agree with the people who are just living off the system, while there are so many people out there that work hard and still can't afford to get what they need," Butler said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
ann
posted 9/09/06 @ 6:26 PM EST
This was a supurb article and it is so relevant. Struggling students who have need of this assistance, should have the opportunity to experience the use of food stamps. (Continued…)
debtanz
deborah
posted 9/09/06 @ 6:28 PM EST
good article and one that is very useful to struggling college students. It also allows students to be keenly aware of how life can be if they fail to succeed in school and gain skills and careers that support them. (Continued…)
koffi
bright bansah
posted 7/20/07 @ 11:49 AM EST
This is a very good article.precisely, a very notable one for all students worldwide.Expecially to those students who think all that they see is all there is. (Continued…)
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