Trying to cut out abuse of the system
I have eluded to this idea in commenting on other articles. I think the current system makes it too hard for people who aren't used to planning to use the assistance they get to it's maximum benefit. Here is my idea. I am posting it in hopes of getting peoples ideas to add to the idea. Feel free to tell me why it is a bad idea (if it is) also.
I believe we should create government stores that assistance vouchers would be redeemed at. The vouchers would be recieved each month with a broucher on how to use them, nutritional information for meal planning and maybe even some recipes. The vouchers would be good for (x) amount of meat, (y) gallons of milk, (z) dozens of eggs, etc each month. There would also be vouchers for soap, tissue, etc. The recipient wouldn't have choices of brand names. Surplus food would be used when possible.
Special vouchers for holiday/birthday treats would be included. I am sure bakeries and misc merchants would be glad to donate goods for advertising/tax purposes. No change would be involved. The voucher would only be good for the specific product.
Public service programs could use their people to help maintain the stores. Instead of having them pick up garbage on the road side, they could be bagging groceries, sweeping floors, restocking shelves, etc. Volunteers would be utilized also. The stores could even have a snack area where donated goodies would be available.
I do think that the stigma of having to go to the "welfare store" will add to the incentive for people to make it on their own. For those who truly need the help, they will be provided with everything they need. Maybe the stores could even have deliveries for the disabled.
What do you think?