I believe they currently issue people electronic cards that are like gift cards but can only be used in supermarkets to purchase essential items.

Wrong! They can be used at fast food restaurants!

statistics, how do they work?

So, there is "waste" in a program that takes up a whopping 2% of the Federal Budget?

You know there's a huge ongoing once-in-a-lifetime depression on right now, correct?

It is indeed a big number. It's about 1/3 of the cost of the Bush tax cuts over 10 years.

I am outraged because people who don't need them get them and because the money is in many cases used not for essential groceries but for fast fattening food if for food at all.

Yes, the economy is down. 1/7 people will starve without food stamps I'm sure.

Not in Iowa AFAIK. You can't even use them to get chinese/italian/buffet (our local stores have a number of different food vendors inside) or other hot/ready made food at the grocery store.

ETA: You also can't use them on alcohol or non food items.

It is state-specific.

[ ] food stamps make that possible

The funding of food stamps, like the funding of all government activities and bodies, is immoral.

My mother is a part time cashier at a supermarket , in one of the wealthiest areas in north jersey , and she tells me how rampant the abuse is. She said that a majority of the people that use them , seem well off , drive newer cars , and never care about using coupons or buying things on special. I am very anti govt , have never received anything personally , and understand that I rather see money spent on this than a 4 billion dollar helicopter. This system has to be overhauled though

Try advocating something other than theft. Perhaps voluntary private charity or voluntary funding for government?

Since private charity is already taking care of the hunger problems in the world/nation.