Honestly there is a simple way to cut the cost of this program by probably 50%. No more food stamps. You have to apply and an investigator will check you out to make sure you actually need this shit and then periodically keep checking afterwards. No one is ever given any money or any kind of voucher - they can pick up their food from a distribution centre that distributes the food out to those that qualify. This would cut out a good deal of the bullshit with people selling or trading the stamps for drugs or money. Same goes for housing - you don't get shit. Find accomodations within parameters set for your area and the government agency will pay the landlord directly. Fuck giving any of these assholes cash money. Every time the assistance checks come out you see the losers showing up at the beer store in cabs and shit. Ridiculous.
holy shit, you're right. the low-lifes in this country were born with this knowledge, whilst we of the gainfully employed segment are trying to figure this shit out.