Food stamps can be a hot-button issue.

To be clear, we know many Idaho taxpayers see food stamps as a handout. They operate under the assumption that the majority, if not all, food stamp recipients are lazy and reaping benefits off the backs of hard-working Idahoans. But it isn't true.

Photo by Zhivko Minkov on Unsplash
Photo by Zhivko Minkov on Unsplash
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How many welfare recipients abuse public aid?

It's a fair question, and we're not naive to scammers and undeserving people who milk the system.

As of 2024, one study ballparks welfare fraud between 2-10%, depending on the program. As taxpaying, contributing members of society ourselves, of course that's frustrating to hear.

On the other hand, that also tells us that 90% of Idaho public aid recipients actually need the help.

Especially Idaho children.

Photo by Providence Doucet on Unsplash
Photo by Providence Doucet on Unsplash
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EBT cards are helping feed Idaho's hungry children. 

In March of this year, KTVB reported upwards of 40,000 Idaho children are battling food insecurity. Once school is out for the summer, their hunger will only intensify. The state senate just cut funding for the 2024 low-income family summer meal program that provides these children with meals over summer break.

 

 

Child or adult, no Idahoan should go hungry or starve. 

We understand that when it comes to how our taxes are allocated, every contributing Idahoan is entitled to their own opinion.

Ours is simple. If Uncle Sam is going to tax us tooth and nail anyway, we'd rather see our money support the people who need it most.

We're not advocating for lifetime handouts. We believe in lending our fellow Idahoans a hand-up when they fall on hard times. That's our take on public aid.

Scroll for 30 surprising things you can & can't buy w/ Idaho food stamps

30 Unexpected Things You Can & Can't Buy with Idaho Food Stamps

You might be surprised to see all of the incredible things Idahoans can and can't buy with food stamps these days.

Gallery Credit: Ryan Antoinette Valenzuela

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Idaho's 7 Cities with the Most Expensive Monthly Bills in 2024 Revealed

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