Eleven (11) Things You Probably Didn’t Know You Could Buy with Food Stamps

Currently, approximately 48 million individuals are on food stamps. (And this 48 million number is after six years of so called economic growth.) To put this in perspective, 28 million individuals were on food stamps back in 2008.  According to my calculations, that would be a 71% increase.  From a cost perspective, its cost the taxpayers approximately $110 billion a year to fund this program.  Now, don't get me wrong.  I know there are families in true need.  But, I also know that there are major abuses within this program, which need to be closed immediately.  

According to the Daily Caller, the following eleven things are what one could and have purchased with food stamps (EBT cards):

1. Fast Food: Taco Bell is one of many fast food restaurants that accept EBT cards. Guacamole is extra? Who cares? It’s on the taxpayer. 
2. Bail: Convicted felons – like drug dealer Kimball Clark – have reportedly used their EBT as bail money. Clark reportedly instructed someone to go to an ATM to withdraw money from his EBT for bail. Because it’s difficult to trace ATM abuse, many speculate this problem is more widespread and not just found in isolated incidents. 
3. Lingerie: Kiss My Lingerie, an adult store in Gonzales, Louisiana, accepts EBT. Other adult stores have also been known to accept welfare transactions. In this case, officials said the store doesn’t violate the rules for EBT because of discrepancies in the law. 
4. KFC: Well, chicken is a protein, and protein is good for you, right? KFC is another well-known fast food chain that accepts EBT. 
5. Shoes: While Payless Shoe Source is known for their BOGO sales, they’re certainly not the cheapest place to buy shoes. Despite the prices and functionality, they also accept EBT. 
6. Strip clubs: Last year, the New York Post reported that FOIA requests revealed welfare recipients were regularly making EBT withdrawals at the ATMs near and inside infamous porn shops, liquor stores, lounges and hookah parlors. Technically, it also doesn’t break the law because of the “cash assistance program.” 
7. Lobster: There have been multiple cases of this. As long as it’s not tobacco or alcohol, you’re golden. 
8. Starbucks: While corporate stores don’t accept EBT, any Starbucks in a Target or grocery chain is considered a grocery item. So $7.00 for a mocha cookie crumble frappuccino and pumpkin loaf? Go. 
9. Cold hard cash: Some people are in the business of selling their EBT benefits for cash. Craigslist has been a great conduit for these “creative entrepreneurs.” 
10. K-cups: A lot of people don’t buy coffee in this form because it’s too expensive, but it’s not off limits in the world of welfare. 
11. Cupcakes/Gourmet cakes: It’s considered food, no matter the price. Hello, non-essential $45 cake.