June 17, 2013 by David K. Sutton

SNAP: Food Assistance: These Simple Charts Could Prove You’re An Ass

Many conservatives have no problem showing their disdain for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as “food stamps.” In December 2011, then Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum asked, “If hunger is a problem in America, then why do we have an obesity problem among the people who we say have a hunger program?” This is the kind of unthinking “wisdom” that emanates from the conservative bubble.

Below are some facts about SNAP illustrated in a few simple charts. These simple statistics could prove you’re an asshole if you happen to align yourself with people like Rick Santorum.

“49% of all SNAP participants are children (age 18 or younger)”

You’re an asshole if you believe “work” is the answer to poverty in a country that doesn’t have a good paying job for every adult and because half of SNAP participates are children. Unless you are advocating child labor?

You’re an asshole if you believe we are a dependent nation when 33% of those eligible for SNAP are not participating in the program.

You’re an asshole if you think people prefer to live on SNAP benefits which amount to less than half the food budget for the average American. You’re also an asshole if you think poverty is a lifestyle choice.