We should help people get off that type of aid instead of telling what they can and cannot get...

Good, let them buy all the soda, candy and chips they want and then we'll also pay for them when they go to the ED with DKA because they couln't afford to buy their insulin! I agree with helping people out but I think food stamps should be used for healthy choices.

.. Meanwhile the Maine Maritime Academy in Castine maintains and heats their NEW and EMPTY $1,600,000 six acre estate recently purchased as a future home for their President and wife to wine and dine his supporters and connected political hacks. You can put lipstick on the MMA, but it's still the MMA.

Quotes from the MMA President Tyler:

His CURRENT residence has a reported $72,000 annual maintenance budget and just finished a massive, two-year renovation. Tyler himself has said repairs to the current President’s house cost “hundreds of thousands” of taxpayer, donor and student tuition dollars (probably over a million given the fact that it has been going on for over two years and is still underway today). "

In reasons for moving to the NEW president’s house, Tyler cited numerous drawbacks to the current location. In the fall, the house is in plain view of the dormitory and sits right next to a classroom building that is often used for lessons which require quiet, something the presidents dog’s and grandchildren cannot provide. Castine Patriot (9/27/07)

Most of the food stores in Maine would go broke with out food stamp use. Sure helps WalMarts bottom line out.

Please don't SNAP at me, but our state government has made it a career choice to do less... in our state the pover-rich prevail and will continue to cast their votes for those who will continue to drop the perks into those deserving hands... Get ready because the system is going to topple...

Coolfusion,

Is your dislike with the President of MMA, or the school itself, from your post it looks like both. I can say one thing, MMA is one of the few schools in the State that has a job placement in the same career fields as the students major above 95%. So, sounds to me like the school is doing something right.

I just don't understand how we the people of Maine keep voting the same people (or same type) into our government. Before the worlds economy went bust, Maine was already in dire straits, for a long time. Why do we keep doing this to ourselves. Even if we didn't have any other choices we thought were good, I would still boot this government out just to show them who they really work for. I am just one vote though. You watch, when the economy finally does come back around, the only jobs Maine is going to get back are maybe some of the ones we lost because of the economy, no really new ones. The Maine State government is then going to claim victory showing how many jobs they got back. Criminal in my book. We had a chance to shake this government up, we didn't do it, we failed!

Oh boy! Here we go again! Another published article for the critics and the jelous that do not recieve [SNAP] or have no Maine credit card plastic to buy food. And of course, the oppertunity for them to blab their mouth about , with their suggestions to what is healthy and what is not. Lets see what we come up with. what am I buying with my food stamp plastic. No beer, no tobbaco ,no hot prepared foods, this includes deli prepared chicken, salads, hot sub sadwiches, prepared soups at shaws stores and others, no toilet paper to wipe ourselves clean after eating the foods that can be purchased. some subway stores. A sub sadwitch can be gotten at one store I know of and all the rest not. A sub sandwich must be healthy for us, look at Jerimy Good cold prepared sandwitches that are full of the proper amounts of meats, vegies and chesses, not to mention the varieties of different grain breads to make up the sadwitch with. By the way it would be too bad to have a nice italian sandwitch bought with my stamp card and not able to buy a cold drink of soda to wash it down with. Leave it to MAINE though, if Maine will be the first to be the first to prohibit the use for such items ,Maine will be the one. o.k. lets go to the list.

Milk--drink to much --get unbalanced amount of calcium in the body.

potatoes bad ! to much startch and potasium good for more obesity.

white breads --to much fattening starches ,,not to mention the fattening butter on it .

ice cream- fattening.

several cereals-- to much sugar content in them.

all canned goods, hamful cemicals and preservitives in them. not to mention food poisoning in some of those cans.

hamburg-- to fatty.

hot dogs - to fatty.

etc etc. etc.

a book can be made on this article alone. oh ya! I almost forgot ,can't by a good healthy pizza with the stamp card because its hot. My My its a good thing Jeromy and the pizza boy is not on food stamps.

Leave the food stamp thing on the desk BDN and find a better issue to write about ,As it is right now I don't know what is good for my kids to eat with the food stamps, so how would all you critics and lelieous folks know what is best for us .Go to the dog food isle and leave the food stamp needy people alone in the soda and potato chip aisle. By the way HARDWOKINMOM , How's my spelling on this article ? Bad and unhealthy foods will be the next bad thing to blame for a good spelling education . Next on the list for power and control by the state of MAINE will be to buying alphabet soups from campbells only with the food card. What also amazes me about this article ,[if the program is totally supported by the United States of AmericaN government, than tell me,where in hell has the state of Maine or anybody for that matter, have control of what we buy with our stamps. The state of Maine taxes isn't paying for the foods brought with it. This is Peter,Paul and Harvey--- Have a healthy day !

I went grocery shopping a couple of days ago, and man was I SO mad. Spent over a hundred dollars and BARELY bought much. And to top it off, couldn't get all the fruits and veggies I wanted because they are wicked expensive. That is why people buy junk. Little Debbies at Shaws are 10 for 10. Of course people with aid are going to buy this stuff and soda and chips, they want to buy as much as they can with that they have received. I wanted to get fresh fruit, but I couldn't get it because I was already maxed on my allowance I give myself for food. I don't think that with this aid they should be allowed to buy junk. Yes snacks for children, like healthy granola bars and fruit snacks, but things like packaged mini cakes and donuts shouldn't be allowed. As well as soda. People can buy fruit juice just as easily as soda, and have their kids drink that. They won't die if they don't get soda, and it will be much more healthier in the long run. When I was younger, my mom received food stamps, and you better believe she didn't buy tons of junk. She spent it on vegetables, milk, bread, meats, rice, etc. I think it should be regulated because it's not like they EARNED that money. If I have to work and I can't even buy the things that I want because of the ridiculous prices, why should someone on state aid be allowed to use the money on all kinds of junk they want when they did nothing to get that money?

You know. This is ridiculous. Juddy you are absolutely right!

Kateindfcity---You say to buy fruit juices. Do you realize that most fruit juices have more sugar than a cup of soda...not to mention that I could buy sprite or gingerale for my children. You CAN get them in a hospital if you are sick too you know. They won't give you pepsi or Mt. dew but they do think that gingerale and sprite are fine.

And you are right...little debbies are cheap, but not everyone buys junk. Maybe some buy that stuff and just let their kids have them as a treat once in awhile and they may last the whole month? do we have to monitor these people next? someone gonna be looking over their shoulders to see what they have in their cupboard too or how they cook it (too much salt. too much butter). half the things we use as "food staples" are not healthy people (sugar, flour, butter, salt, eggs). C'mon? lets all fight over something ridiculous and then call ourselves adults.

Unfortunately, the most healthy foods (fresh vegetables) cost a lot of money during the fall, winter and spring in Maine. Green peppers cost more than a steak. And never mind fresh fish.

By the way, this story by Mal Leary is written poorly and violates the first precept of journalism about "the poor" -- you need to actually talk to and interview someone who is poor. Not just "service providers."

Mal Leary literally "phoned-in" this story.

No, I'm talking about 100% fruit juices, not the sugared down stuff that maybe has 2% juice in it. And no, I don't think that it would be right for the "government" to be looking in your cupboards. I'm talking about monitoring what you buy at point of sale. If you have extra money that you made ON YOUR OWN, then it is more than your right to go buy your children soda and little treats. But I think that with this SNAP program, you should not be allowed to buy this sort of thing, no matter if you give it to your children once in a while. And everything is healthy in moderation, such as your sugar, flour, butter, salt and eggs example. Why wouldn't you want your children to have healthy food? It would make it far better in the long run, what with the onslaught of obesity and diabetes. You would be doing them a favor by showing them that fruits and veggies are good. And if you feel the need to buy them a "special" snack, do it with YOUR OWN MONEY.

ok. so canned vegetable are okay to buy right? why don't you pick up a can of green beans and tell me how much sodium is in there. sorry if fresh fruits and vegetables are ridiculously priced. sorry that i can't afford to buy everything 100% healthy for my children. by the way i don't receive food stamps. i just have in the past and i understand where alot of these people are coming from and i agree that it is wrong. there are people that abuse it, but in general most don't. most just need that little bit of help to get them on their feet. they are scruitinzed enough and now we want to make them even feel smaller.

let me go shopping with you. let's see how healthy you really are? what's in your cupboard?

What do you know kateindfcity? I am 55 years young right now. I worked my assssss off as a hard worker raising four children throughout 30 years of that 55. I feel 25 feet to a concrete floor in 2002 on a const. job. before that fall for 30 years i paid in to the state for taxes $42,00.00I and to the u.s.fed. tax system, $60,000.00-$75,000.00 to fill their bellies and pockets.I recived from that fall a concusion now still suffering to a post concussion syndrome, a back with now fractured discs, forever now on depression meds. ,up all through the nights with discomfort to lay or sleep in any one position continuos head aces and vision loss.. I have been sice 2005 fighting the system for disability and since than have lived the last threee years on virtually now income and or help from others except the few that really do love . The system still denies me any disability ,although they did feel after finally three years they now give me not quite $500.00 a month to pay for my $3.00.00 co pay for my meds times4 by the way and my wifes 10 meds she needs times $3.00. My past due amount to CMP of $1,500.00 the phone and bill to have this computer to have contact with the world like you do. No vhicle could be afforded for three years now . It's 3 degees out right now my feet are freezing and i lost my home from it all to now live here through the winter in a good samaritans motor home. I don't want no pitty party from any please .But my peeve is why do i have to live in a world today having people like you say we did NOTHING to get the government food stamp help while and when we need it?By the way the state gave me the less than 5 hundred dollars cash from TANIF and cut my food stamps back $125.00 a month .Now I can buy a can of LP to stay warm with and less chips and soda.

That is right Juddy! Just because someone recieves help does NOT mean they didn't EARN it! Not everyone knows everyones situation. Compassion and understanding go a long way sometimes.

Very sad and econmically unsustainable.

If the state spent more on education so people could do something useful, perhaps it would not need to waste so much onwelfare rpgrams like this.

sadly, it may be too late. You gets what ypuis pays for.

I am not getting in the middle of the food fight, but just some info for Kate: You had better go look at that 100% fruit juice, has just as much if not more sugar than soda. It is natural sugar, but still not great for you.

I pray you self righteous hard working people don't wake up hungry one day.

I wonder how these figures compare to other states and the national average. Is this the result of having tourism as our major industry?

skipperskitchen----absolutely right!!! pray hard for them.

movethen----also 100% right.

I have too many vices myself to tell other people what they should buy with there food money. Besides, I think it is a dangerous thing when we get too much government intrusion.

mainah_mom

Compassion and understanding go a long way sometimes. Well spoken..........................

Thanks for the understanding mainah-mom. You go girl and may GOD bless you.

movethen thanks for not getting into the middle of this food fight, I personally don't have enough eggs to go around anymore. All my laying hens died last week because the foodstamp card would not allow me to buy grain for them to feed me eggs.Looks like im back to the chemical raised hens eggs. If the hen is raised on chems. ,I need wonder what is in the egg. No thanks ---I'll just go without until I can afford some more healthy bug eating birds again.It became to hard for the last six to survive on ice balls alone.

Coolfusion: with out MMA Castine would be almost a nonexistent place...and real estate taxes would be so high that noone but the very rich could live there...fixing that house gave work to people in the area...and MMA gives work to many people 2 of whom happen to be my brother and his daughter....I also work there when I was a teen...in these tough times they have to do everything they can to bring in money and students...Castine is a beautiful little town...I was born at the hospital there 50 years ago...Len Tyler can be a jerk at times but he really has what is best for castine and MMA in mind...and as I said before if not for MMA Castine would be a ghost town and the whole Blue Hill Peninsula would be hurt ..

Judy, You have got to be kidding me. I cant believe you even said it "the jealous that do not receive [SNAP] or have no Maine credit card plastic to buy food". This sounds like something you aspire to, getting SNAP "food stamps" and a Maine credit card. Why don't you spend more time figuring out how to stay employed you obviously can use a computer and less time trying to work the system!

I'm not posting a comment to tell people what to buy. But I would like to point out that SNAP or Food Stamps is meant to help a family or individual provide food staples (i.e. fruits, veggies, milk, bread). Soda is not a food staple - you do not need it to survive. Chips, candy and soda are "treats", not part of a balanced diet. This program is meant to "supplement" a person/families grocery bill; buy flour, sugar, butter, eggs and bake! It's cheaper. Buy canned vegetables when they are on sale and stock up. Use some common sense and stop complaining. The complaints about not being able to buy paper products with SNAP, again this supplement is to help provide FOOD staples and is not meant to be a persons/families only means of providing food.

Every state has seen a surge in Welfare numbers, this isn't a Maine phenomenon.

It is sickening to think that basic needs like food and shelter are privileges not rights. Sad that we still view people as either deserving or non-deserving. What would Jesus think of society now? He'd probably shed a few tears knowing that we don't value humans and have compassion only for those that deserve it. shame.

jetdriver 9:08 AM is obviously too early in the morning for you. go back to bed, get more sleep and wake up later with a bellty full of more brain rather than a belly full of jeliousy. YOU ARE JELIOUS , are you not. A jet driver? A yearly income of over $100,000.00? Why would you need to have any need or thought for food stamp help and what do you know about being poor?

For those that have earned the right to food stamps and they are not sitting on there butt at home having more illigitimate children, this program may work. I have often wondered how people survive on little to nothing for monthly checks, with presciptions, food and oil, How do they do it. The other thing I wonder is why do they alow the purchase of junk food, but not laundry detergent. They can have unhealthy food but no soap for a shower. I just don't understand how it works. I have been very fortunate that I have not needed any aid, but i work my butt off.

Then you have this community program that offers help with heating oil and they are givin donations to the american folk festival, then apologizing to many prople in need that they no funds avail. I just don't get it!

Seriously jet driver or anyone else....do you really think that most people aspire to get food stamps or state help?

Pretty sure the answer would be no.

Again, I know there are people that abuse it, but those people that abuse the system also abuse other things as well. Not everyone is a low-life. Most of these people are families trying to get by...or elderly without any form of income...not drug addicts that just want to live off the state and find a way to manipulate the system. Most people have a life. Most people do not want to send four paycheck stubs or proof of income or verification of all of their stuff into the state of Maine.

Again, compassion people. Sometimes things happen. Sometimes people do need help. That is all. Help.

I don't think anyone aspires to be on Food Stamps...what I find ironic are those with their hands out and then have the audacity to complain if there are some restrictions placed on the hand out.

Well i find it ironic when people who have everything and are set with what they need find the need to complain about people who are trying to get by. Or they complain about the prices going up....sell your four-wheeler, sell your snow sled, don't complain about people trying to get buy. You should help people in need. What goes around comes around. My grammie taught me well. They have been blessed with what they need and do have trouble getting by at times, but are always always willing to lend a hand. There should be more people in this world like my grandparents.

What is capehart? Are these not the "low life" some may be reffering to?

i remember as a child going to wait in line at the Bangor Auditorium to get a box of food from the government. They gave us 5 lb. blocks of cheese, powdered milk, and canned apple sauce, and other things. Do they even do this anymore?

You go Juddy53 you said all the right things in all the right spots.

RealCherry - Jesus would say something like, "You guys need to build yourselves an economy so you can feed yourselves and not depend on somebody else."

Yea build an ecomony by helping others out. Instead we have people with plenty of money who want to bitch and moan about the system and not do anything about it. Help these people in their time of need.

And what in the world is capehart? All I can think of is Kay Park..lol.

Mainah_mom - if you are referring to me you've got me all wrong. I don't own a sled or a four-wheeler. I give generously to many charities throughout the year. I think the complainers are 2nd or possibly 3rd generation aid receivers and they feel "entitled" to the aid they receive. The good hardworking people who receive aid because they've fallen on hard times or experienced a health setback are never the ones who complain, I can almost guarantee it.

CapeHart is somekind of state housing in Bangor, I guess they don't call it that anymore.

Was not referring to you. Just saying in general. There are a lot of people who are in hard times this year. Not just the "normal" ones. Many have lost their jobs. Look at the mills in the Katahdin region. A lot of those people who worked for many years and have many toys just lost their job. I agree that they need help. I think anyone should get help; however, those people should consider buying a smaller vehicle, selling extra toys or vehicles, cutting down on things as well.

I agree with the 2nd, 3rd generation thing to a point. I recieved aid a while back and younger my parents received it for a short time when my dad was laid off. I never felt that I was entitled though. I was grateful. Grateful that I could support myself and my daughter while I was in college. I wanted and could not wait to get off the state. It is nothing but a pain and evryone looks at you like you are scum. I am not scum. I used the system for what is made to be used for...to become self sufficient in times of need. My time of need was giving birth to my daughter and realizing that her "sperm donor" wasn't worth our time and to move on.

Find someone you know who has access to the Commissary on base in Bangor and it will help you with your groceries. Everything is cheaper, and meat is one of the most inexpensive things in there!

Bottom line, these people need to buy the staples. Not junk. These people need to help themselves also. There needs to be a time limit on the free stuff. Some people here have their blinders on. As tax payers we are giving plenty. Can you say BOHICA !!!!!!!

As taxpayers stevey dee we are giving plenty to the government not the neighbors.

How bout you stop buying junk as well. Do what you preach.

Commissary idea is a great idea. That is def. helpful. Good plug usafbangormaine.

Yes, over the past few months I did the math between going to the Commissary and Hannaford buying generally the same things and saved approx 45-60 dollars each visit by going there......

I don't need to stop buying junk as I have an unlimited food budget. Because I work that is why. If you see no problem with people buying junk food and items that are not required then you must be goofy that's all I can say.

I see no problem with freedom to choose. I too work smart one. I work a 40 hour plus work week. I went to school. I am educated...not goofy sweetie. I have compassion and a heart and I know what it is like to receive help and how people like you made me feel when I did....stupid, undereducated, low life, mooch, etc.

Hopefully nothing ever happens to you. Hopefully you are a rich @*&#^! for the rest of your life. Good luck with that..especially when you are older and don't have many people to lean on.

I think the problem with this argument is we are lumping a group of people that abuse the system with a group that does not, who definately would rather be self supportive. This argument with abuse will happen with any government or state run program, unfortunately the ones really in need and appreciate what they get get lumped in with the other folks. These are hard times and may get worse. I agree neighbors and family should help eachother, most do, I would hope. This argument has been going on forever with workers 'Comp'. The people that abuse it give the real cases a bad name. Many people who truly do deserve 'Comp' do not want or dare make a claim, afraid of what will be thought of them because of the 'fake' comp cases. These are systems that can be abused by dishonest people, but also a system that is there to help the honest people, and should help them, without the worry of these types of stereotypes.

movethen, exactly. I'm not saying don't help the ones that really need it. Just the people that abuse the system. I give plenty to charities. I’m not rich either. I work that’s all.

How many of the recipients are native Mainers and how many are non-resident? Does the state have any statistics on this?

David889327 - what does being a native mainer have to do with anything? There are residents in every state who were not born there and are receiving state/fed aid.

The Increase this month due to the fact everybody went out and bought a 30.00 xmas plus wreath for 'their' xmas. This is Political Rubish People!

This Shenkin guy wants soda off the 'snap' (how creative) nutritional program. Hasn't that got to do with the bottling company taxes on your beer and wine? It is an attack against them. Pepsi and coca cola has served this state for years. I believe it's PEOPLES" CHOICE! This is called Lobbying!

Beware of the hand that feeds you.

bangorresident, I am curious because I have heard that Maine is fairly unique in not having any residency requirements for people applying for welfare assistance. If this is true, as a taxpayer, I feel I have a right to know. Furthermore, if it's true, I feel I have a right to object to it.

SNAP is funded by the Federal Government not State. You must be one those mainers who feel that anybody from "away" shouldn't be allowed in the state. What you need to realize is you need those out-of-staters to expand the gene pool - your not supposed to marry your first cousin :)

But the state should have the responsibility to spend federal money wisely, I bet we all can give a circumstance or two or three of abuse when it comes to a fraction of those 189,000 Mainers regardless of how big that fraction really is... When revenues for the state and federal government decrease as this recession continues how can we afford to put more people on it? I'm going to downsize like many and just pay less in taxes, and if my middle class taxes go up then I'll continue to make less. The taxpayers can turn this around, I can't believe my American dream just became to make less.... Punish me for wanting to make more, only to inspire me to make less...

Here's an example of how the system is being abused, I was at work just last week, when these 2 young single healthy mom's was going around telling everyone they had to cut back on thier hour's or they would loose thier benefit's, both of these mom's also have live-in boyfriend's, with good job's. Given the opportunity to work full time, no they decieded to give up the hour's, and keep right on collecting, shouldn't they be a limit, when you are capable of working. So we're not only feeding them, the boyfriend's as well.

How ironic that i just received this email yesterday and i couldn't agree more!

Like a lot of folks in this state, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that

paycheck, I am required to pass a random urine test with which I have no problem. What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to

people who don't have to pass a urinetest. Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for

them? Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone

sitting on their ASS, doing drugs, while I work. . . . Can you imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public

assistance check? Something has to change in this country -- and soon!!!!!!!

BANGORRESIDENT , davids question is important for many reasons. 1. it is federal money given to the state, and it is the states job to administer it. 2. If the state has lower the average wait time and standards for giving them out then that is just the kind of thing that brings the abusers here. They take program money away from resident Mainers that may actually need it. You go ahead and mate with the career welfare recieptiants. I'll stick to David's cousin. I bet she at least has a job.

Mainah_mom... Once again, well said, I couldn't agree with you more.

icheke......................................................GREAT POINT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Has anyone else noticed that COOLFUSION always posts these kind of negative MMA attacks on any and all articles that have anything to do with state funding. This post does not belong here!

And no matter what you think of the president of MMA or the president's home, it doesn't change the fact that Castine exists because of MMA and without it, it would die. Oh, it would wake up for the summer (out-of-town summer people), but what about the other 9 months of the year? What about the people who aren't rich who reside there? And if MMA weren't there, how many of those would be able to stay?

MMA is a jewel in our state, they provide a world-class education at a more reasonable price than most colleges, and they do in fact have that 95% job placement, in their major, after graduation.

Sorry, the pros outweigh the cons on this issue. You sound like a bitter, petty fool, grabbing at inappropriate straws to beat your dead horse, in fact I dub you FOOLSCRUISIN from now on. You might catch more of a like minded response if you posted with articles that relate.

And, oh, what was the point of this article anyway.

Oh, yeah, hungry people. No one is taking food out of peoples mouths with what happens at MMA. Yes, it's all state money, but money dedicated to education. Do you understand how federal and state monies are allocated?

icheke, I totally agree. Some of these people don't have a problem handing money over to other people who could be out working for a living. I really do believe that some people have been living under a rock for all their lives. There are people milking the system while we pay for it. Might just as well let them buy booze and smokes too along with the ho-ho's and ding dongs.

I agree momof1, that the situation you mentioned is an unfortunate reality. I have seen many young people who are significantly more lazy than I hope my children will turn out. Nothing in life is free and I have a difficult time understanding why people think that the "world" be it our state, federal government or their family, owes them something. I guess that's one of my biggest annoyances.

I do understand that circumstances happen when there just isn't enough money to buy food, and that those individuals should be receiving aid until the situation is improved. I am a working - divorced mom with two children. I was married a long time, things just happen sometimes that are not planned. Now, I have a home that I could not sell because the mortgage is higher than it's worth, which leaves me with a payment of 1/2 my monthly income. The rest goes to utilities and insurances. I make too much to qualify for aid, and I try to stretch the food budget as far as possible. Sharing meal preparation days with family and friends sometimes helps because it is cheaper per person to cook for more. I also shop for store brands, breads, cereals, frozen veggies, whatever. There are ways to make it work, but it is not always easy.

There are so many problems with the system that it cannot be fixed all at once. I just don't think adding more government control to it is going to help.

The other annoyance I have is school lunches. So much is thrown out because the kids don't want or like it. Isn't there anything that can be done about this?

mainah_mom, I also know about assistance also. My mother had to resort to various forms of it to raise my sisters and I by herself. What most of the people on here object to is the abuse. Everyone just says oh well thats part of any program, but it shouldn't be. There are tons of steps that can be taken to clean up the abuse. Getting rid of the abuse would also make for more funds for the state to show compassion to those that really need help. Simple limits on what can be bought is just one example. The lady above arguing that can veggies are bad, but a hot pizza would be great.... too bad. My wife and I work 3 jobs to get by , are not rich, and get our pizza from the chef-boy-ardee box. (which you can get on food stamps, for those of you that use them)

Hey Guys have you tried the "SavaLot" store in Brewer? If you do not mind off-brand canned goods, fresh vegetables (I wash mine) and you buy meat in bulk. You can save much more than you think. I am not sure how they do it but canned goods are .10c-.12c per can cheaper and beef about .20c per pound. And in a few pennies per item for friuit and vegetables... you can save enough to go Mcdonalds... or buy those little Debbie cakes.

BucksportMom, COOLFUSION is part of a very vocal group in Castine who are upset that MMA is apparently breaking a local zoning ordinance by relocating the new President's House outside of the "MMA zone". They are waging a cyberwar against MMA.

vichet, see the problem with the welfare recipients it is beneath them to buy store brand items. They have to have the name brand items.

thank you fearless.

mom of 1...there is a limit. that was passed back in i don't know like 1996 by Bill Clinton. It states that a family cannot receive aid for over 5 years. Seems like a long time, but a college degree takes four..so, really that is what he was striving to do. Help single mothers go back to school and receive what they can to help with their family.

the sav-a-lot is great by the way!

stevey you sound very arrogant. i don't know you and i already don't like your attitude and i cannot even hear it.

how is that for irony?

As for food stamps ...what is wrong with setting up a system of food stamp only stores. These are the items available, so thats what you get. It also takes the Hannaford/Shaws influence on products and prices out of the equation. (Food stamps do have an effect on prices you know) It would reduces the illegal use, the wasteful use and maybe even teach proper nutrition at the same time.

http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/realfacts/in_out_state_comparison.shtml

The Real Fact is that people are not coming to Maine for its rich benefits. Significantly more people who are receiving benefits leave Maine each month when compared to those who come to Maine and are eligible for benefits

Check out this link - it speaks for itself.

ROLFLMAO !!!!!!!!!!!!

bangorresident Interesting set of statistics. How do you reconcile (or does DHHS) the fact that 1 in 7 people in Maine are on food stamps with that statistic? How about this? Maybe Maines' tax structures and anti-business, anti-education, welfare State mentality policies are so overwhelming that our chief import (people who can support themselves) become our chief export. (people who cant)

vichet , NOT SURE A SEPRATE STORE WOULD WORK, but you are correct on it affecting prices. Take a look at what WIC has done to baby formula. Because the stores know that a majority of people don't care about the price because WIC pays for it, they mark it up 100% or more. We don't qualify for wic and are going broke buying formula.

Duckwa, if that's true that's a blatant abuse which needs to be reported. On Drugstore.com the Similac Go & Grow milk-based formula powder on is $22.79 for 35 servings. Is that comparable to what you're paying? If not, maybe you should start ordering online. They offer free shipping.

Very nice suggestion Anne!!

DouglasWatts----- How right you are! Unless you have an extremely well paying job, you can not afford to buy fresh fish or veggies! All these people that seem to "know" so much about the poor people have never in their lives gone without anything they wanted. Then you have SteveyDee who has an "unlimited"food budget because he works? So good for you, Stevey! My God, I know there are people who abuse the system, always have , always will. But can't you people have a little compassion for the folks that are truly trying and just need a hand sometimes? You know, any of us could be in this situation at any given moment! A lost job, lost home, anything can happen. Quit building yourselves up to be so much damn better then the other guy! When a lot of your comments certainly prove otherwise!! From the sounds of things , a lot of you are p o.because your Not getting help and you have to go out and work!

Anne, yes that is true , what I posted.... will explain in a few. Right now gotta get the skids from school.

Thanks Vichet. It's been 20 years since I've had to buy formula but I remember even then it was outrageously expensive. We used to have to go to Toys 'R Us for formula and diapers for the savings. I remember reading that Toys 'R Us would purposely stock the formula and diapers all the way at the rear, right corner of the store as a marketing strategy so that customers would have to walk all the way through the store to get them, and be tempted to buy all the other toys on the way.

Anne, I recall seeing the same thing now that you mention it. I didnt ever put it together. .

Oh you guys haven't heard half the baby formula scams. Did you know that they bribe (contract) use your own word) the hospital to use their brand to feed the babies and also give samples of their formula to brand to new parents. They do this because they know that most parents wont change what the baby eats cuz its hard on them.

Speaking of formula, I'm worried that Bush will need food stamps after he leaves office because no one in their right mind would hire him. Let's send him some of Stephen Colbert's Formula 401!!!!

The KING Plan:

I propose that we cut food aid to all the residents of Maine, and institute a "first come first serve" policy for 3 months wherein anybody meeting the qualifying rules below up to a total number of no more than 36.2% of Maine's total population will be welcomed into the program granting they supply the correct information, and the information is placed in the mail or delivered to a DHHS Outlet Store in your town. This "food-aid" would only pay for basic grocery needs - sugar, flour, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and normal "food items". Albiet no sodas nor candy or beer or alcohol or LOBSTER or any other type of expensive meat or produce shall be bought that is prepackaged and cannot at least have a 75% non-homemade quality. (IE it can't be microwave popcorn neither - although Jiffy Pop or the kernals that come in the plastic bottles are ok)

QUALIFIERS:

1. Be aged 18 - Death

2. Or is a single parent with either part or full time custody

3. Make less than $15,000 a year - no matter the income or source of the money

4. Is already on MaineCare or if you are by any chance... Dirigo health

I'm never having children. I think under my plan that any parent in maine with a child under 5 should qualify for assistance. No matter the income. The assistance would be for baby's healthcare (diapers, medical checkups, food, health & beauty, wetones, toilet seats, gerber food) all products would come engraved or a photograph on bag/box of our great leader, and comrade Barack Obama.

imagine that:

Our Leader Comrade Obama's Diapers: ONE SIZE FITS ALL

Our Leader Comrade Obama's Baby Food: ONE FLAVOR (mostly hinting of string beans and squash)

Our Leader Comrade Obama's Baby Formula: ONE FORMULA FOR BABY IS ALL THEY NEED

Our Leader Comrade Obama's Wet Wipes: NON SCENTED

and for those struggling mom's at home its:

Our Great Leader, and Defender of the 4th Reich Comrade Obama's Tobacco Sticks with Flame Retardent compound and filter: NOW IN MENTHOL!

I receive food stamps and I 100% agree that people who have a true NEED to use this program have no business purchasing junk food items. Chips, candy and soda are NOT necessary items to sustain life. I make a point of NOT purchasing those items! My children my purchase those items with their own money occasionally. I have made it explicitly clear junk food is not an entitlement, it is an occasional treat. May I mention the fact that not one out of us are overweight or underweight. FOOD stamps are meant for FOOD. I too get annoyed when I see people purchasing cases of soda, boxes and boxes of cupcakes and several bags of chips. Obviously the NEED for help is not existing if they are buying that sort of crap

does anyone know how the debit cards work? I know they were supposed to help keep some abuse down in the form of buying small items for a quater and getting the 75 cents back. A;so I know that the old stamps use to get sold of all the time to shady store owners for 50 cents on the dollar. Do you have to use ID when using the debit card?

Hey, let's not leave out the one and only George Bush line of products for the poor, manufactured by private industry but funded by your tax dollars, so they can't fail:

GW Freedom Fries, replaces the now defunct Bill of Rights!

GW "Mission Accomplished" Soda, drink it and explode!!

GW "Free Market" Microwave Dinners, if you have to ask, you can't afford them!

GW "Bailout " Diapers, created for former investment bank execs, shovel not included.

GW "Crumbling Infrastructure" Donuts, your insides will be impassable!

And finally, GW "We Don't Torture" Gitmo Baby Formula, gives even adults colic!!!

Kingofmaine, where the hell have you been the past eight years?

Hey Bluebob squarepants, What are you going to be BLUE about next month? Will you somewhat bitter angry people just wake up one morning with that Wal-mart smiley face on?

Darn, I forgot who your wife is!! I shouldn't have called you bitter. Now hell fire and brimstone are going to rain down on my posts. :-) I just would actually love to here ,all joking aside, if you can actually name a couple of good things you think he did? I get the fact that when a President you didn't vote for is in office, everything leans away from what you feel is right. I felt that way with Clinton and will more so with Obama. That doesn't mean that I think either is evil. Obama will approach things in the wrong way, in my opinion, but I still am sure that he will do some really good things. I know it happens on both sides, but I am just tired of the disagree with me you must be bad , dumb , evil.... you name the adjective ...crowd.

Blueballs - What's wrong with torturing of terrorists. If I ever got my hands on one of them after they harmed someone in my family, they will beg for water boarding!

These last 8 years were trying times for our country. Bush did not do everything right, but he did try to protect this country. You think If Obama would have been President 8 years earlier 911 would not have happened? I don't think so, of course if would have. This was being planned since your adulterer Clinton was in office. Can't wait to see what you bitch about in 4 years when Obama has not lived up to your fantasies.

Movethen, you missed the memo. Howard Dean already made the announcement that the country is so messed up that Obama will need a second term to really make a difference. That isn't a joke by the way, he did say that. Hasn't started the first one, but will need a second. To be fair that is DEan speaking , not Obama. I don't think they are the best of buddies.

movethen, I can't help it if you're constipated. Try some stool softener.

Hey! This didn't post the first time. Let's try it again.

How about:

KingofMaine condoms, now is XXXS size.

KingofMaine drool bucket.

KingofMaine astronaut diapers: wear them all week long, on your head!

KingofMaine hats: now featuring pea-sized dunce caps!

IT posted anne. And was a pretty funny dig.

I can't imagine another Democratic President doing two terms, God help us.

Wow, what a sad statistic that is for Maine and its residents. However, despite this obvious reality, our good governor Baldacci is about to give most state employees a 4% PAY RAISE this month! How insane is that, especially when we see our state falling into massive debt and so many Mainers living on food aid. As taxpayers, we should demand a FREEZE ON ALL STATE SALARIES & BENEFITS to become effective immediately. God bless us all, as it looks like things will get a lot worse before they get better...the democrats are dragging us deeper down each and every day. If you'd like to see some proof of that, just look at what the Baldacci administration is paying countless friends and family members at

http://www.maineopengov.org

RML1970, I agree with you 100%, As i have stated before, in the food stamp's article, I am all for those in need, but those who abuse the system, it's just plain wrong, yeah, it really sucks, when the alarm clock go's off at 4.a.m. but guess what? no one is gonna is pay my bill's other than my self and my husband, but it appears to me , that this is the way of live for alot of them, just pop out another cute little baby and keep on collecting. what are thier intention's , waiting for social securiting to kick in?.

it is all about education. teach a man to fish he can feed himself. give a man a fish and we are seeing what we get.

Yawn

Duckwa, you asked for BCB to name a couple of good things done by Bush. Your question is answered in yesterday's Op-Ed piece http://bangornews.com/detail/94771.html

Thats true Anne, I was just curious if he could bring himself to say it.

Didn't we taxpayershave to cough up a couple of million dollars 2 or 3 years ago to reimburse the Dept of Agriculture for food stamp money that was spent improperly on people that weren't really eligible, but DHS has recruited to go on the dole?

It makes my eyes bleed everytime someone tells another person who disagrees with being robbed by the government every week and having it redistributed to whomever they see fit to "have some compassion". Why dont you have some effing compassion for those having their income confiscated every week! Why don't you have some "COMPASSION" for my children who have less now so some baby factory in a trailer park can have their satellite, beer, smokes, 400 DVDs and CDs etc. etc. Have some "compassion" for those of us who get up everyday and work just to see our fruits stolen! Why don't you take your compassion and drive it! I will never agree with stealing from one to give to another! NEVER! It is immoral! Charity should be voluntary and done under free will. If I broke into your house and stole from you, would you call the cops even if I told you all the wonderful things I was going to do with your stuff? What? You would? "Have some compassion"!

FREERADICAL, I agree. Redistribution of my money to someone else. Take from the haves and give to the have nots. I don't mind helping someone out but get off your a## and get a job.

Its a tough world out there FreeRadical and there is so much more to the problem/solution than getting a job.

Shiretown.net - Aroostook Countys Discussion Forum

I think a lot of people use the food stamp or staple not sure what it is these days but as a way to vent frustrations on the governments use of their tax dollars. The frustration comes when you work your butt off and you think you can finally get ahead for a week or so when you have worked 10 to 2o hrs of overtime, especially this time of year when you have the holidays and oil to pay for...Then you get your pay check, open it and see that hundreds of dollars have been taken for taxes...I think others including myself have felt frustrated when it is abused....

Not everyone abuses the system but I am sure everyone on this post knows of one or two whom do or have..It's those who abuse that make the system as a whole looked down upon...

I feel for a lot of people these days, I have a friend whom her husband has worked for the same company for 23 years and was suddenly laid off..She is now working 50 to 80 hours a week, odd hours, long hours, every shift she can pick up she has. I feel for them for they didn't ask for this to happen, they are not lazy people! They have custody of 2 grandchildren and now living on one income....The kicker here is they were forced through economic hardship to apply for food stamps...They were denied for her overtime placed them over the income guidelines.....She has to work that many hours in order to provide for 4 people.

So in past postings on this subject I think others took my comments as "bashing" others who recieve assistance...That was not my intentions...

But again I think that peoples frustrations show when they see their hard earned money is used in so many unstable ways that benefit those who choose not to work but deny the assistance to those whom have worked their a@# off for 23 years and suddely lose their security...

I will say that after working in a high profile place for 23 years, this man is now working as a telemarketer just to make ends meet...

I don't think that in any way the negative statments are being made towards these type of folks, I think that everyone's frustration always talks of the abuser...

I think when you have 240.00 a week taken from your check you earned and the same day you go to the grocery store to get your necessities with what little you have in your budget left for food..And you get behind another whom has financial help and they buy horrible amounts of unhealthy items and pay with the EBT card....Well I think it's just natural human nature to be frustrated..Those who make that choice do not understand they are reflecting an image as a whole....

I mean no disrespect towards anyone on assistance byt he way...Just looking at the negative statments in a different light...

Iknow, Iknow. My comments have been missed by all lately. Sorry, been working non stop so juddy53 and others can get thier ding dongs and ho ho's this month. By the way, you're welcome. No need for thank you's as I really enjoy working doubles 7 days a week and spending all that time away from my family to support them and you. Can you help me with my house payment this month?