College students/student athletes using foodstamps...?

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CDS86

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Joined
Nov 29, 2009
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Kettering, OH
This is going to be a touchy subject, but I'm interested in getting the opinion of some of the board members regarding college students/student athletes using food stamps.

I have read on various twitter accounts (specifically those of some UC student athletes) about how some are making use of food stamps to supplement their income. Should a student athlete receiving upwards of a $40,000 per year scholarship be eligible for food stamps? I was under the impression (could be mistaken here) that they receive a monthly stipend for food/rent if they live off campus, and have memberships to the campus' dining facilities.

When I was in undergrad, I was fortunate enough to have two years of meal plan paid for. The last 2.5 years I paid for food/tuition/rent etc. via multiple jobs, coaching and student loans. I think you can figure out where I side on the issue. ;)

Google "college students and food stamps" for some information on the general student population using food stamps; my question is more in regards to student athletes I suppose.

Anyway, your thoughts? I'm not trying to stir the pot here, I just thought it was an interesting topic.
 
Food stamps are need-based with income to determine need. I would not think that scholarships are counted as taxable income (though I have no experience in this area). I also thought that all college athletes can now have their health care provided by their parents up to age 26 (regardless of income, marital status, or living arrangements) under new health care reforms.

There used to be a stigma attached to receiving welfare/food stamps or other gov assistance, but now the attitude is why not milk the system as the bar has been raised on who can apply for assistance.

I say college athletes are getting a raw deal when it comes to receiving scholarship but not able to get a job to supplement income, so if food stamps help, go for it!
 
I say college athletes are getting a raw deal when it comes to receiving scholarship but not able to get a job to supplement income, so if food stamps help, go for it!

Are they not allowed to have jobs? I remember back when I was at UCF for a couple of years, many of the football players there bounced at the local bars. :confused:
 
Scholarship players aren't allowed having jobs. I think it became an issue back in the day when talented players were given jobs by local businessman and given a paycheck but weren't really working there. As far as food stamps go, part of your scholarship is meal plans, so I don't know where the need would be. People cry about these players not being given the same liberties as normal students, but normal students aren't given free rides in exchange for their athletic services. I got to think being an 18-22 year-old kid and a free ride through college to play a sport you love has got to be a pretty good gig. I would've loved it. I had to work through school and got no assistance. We as a society want to coddle people too much. This is a choice people make to better themselves for the future. If you don't like it, then go out in the real world and see how life treats you at 18. College is about preparing yourself for a better future, not about living the American dream while doing it.
 
Scholarship players aren't allowed having jobs. I think it became an issue back in the day when talented players were given jobs by local businessman and given a paycheck but weren't really working there. As far as food stamps go, part of your scholarship is meal plans, so I don't know where the need would be. People cry about these players not being given the same liberties as normal students, but normal students aren't given free rides in exchange for their athletic services. I got to think being an 18-22 year-old kid and a free ride through college to play a sport you love has got to be a pretty good gig. I would've loved it. I had to work through school and got no assistance. We as a society want to coddle people too much. This is a choice people make to better themselves for the future. If you don't like it, then go out in the real world and see how life treats you at 18. College is about preparing yourself for a better future, not about living the American dream while doing it.

Agree 100%... people say tuition isn't enough... tell that to the 95% of students who aren't getting it.
 
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