Dividing the amount recipients of the EBT or Michigan Bridge Card into two installments is simply another example of a politician caving to the lobbyist. It’s comical to see someone dividing the assistance allotted to people using the Michigan Bridge card into two installments and pitch it as helping them. It’s obviously being lobbied by large grocers that want more consistency in inventory – not a benefit to those using the EBT cards to make purchases.

Its smoke and mirrors to think that it will not cost more to the taxpayer to implement as the transactions and record keeping requirements will double. Using proponents’ logic – why not divide it into weekly installments and it would stand to reason the benefits would double if the two installment theory had any real merit.

This is of course is not going to help those that do buy bulk packages of meats that in cost per pound savings allow them to purchase more quantity at less cost if done at one time, than paying retail prices on individual items. Another example against it’s implementation is how it will effect non-government funded services already catering to the needs of many that receive the Bridge card, like , which delivers bulk meat packages or bundles to families and charges nothing for delivery. Instead of buying chicken tenders, lean beef, hamburger, fish, ect all at one time and then buying sale items of frozen or canned veggies from sav-a-lot, or another discount store – the customer would have to break up their orders to have enough to buy enough meats, dairy, and veggies to last their family until the next allotment. Pay more for less, and incur more cost of transportation. Instead of a large variety that is offered at discounted prices because it’s delivered at one time, the orders would be smaller, and cost the company more to delivery thereby increasing the cost for the same product to the customer to make the same margin without taxing them with delivery fees.

It will also not teach people to eat healthier or buy more nutritious products to feed their children. The solution is better education of recipients in budgeting what they receive, and more education about healthy diets. An example of trying to help Bridge Card users in self-education about eating healthily, food handling, and exercise can be seen at which makes the already existing and well-designed educational programs more accessible, includes related links to games for the kids, and even to takes it a step further by allowing recipients to enter drawings for gift cards and other prizes, and receive more information about products available for delivery. It’s promoted by gourmet foods outlet that delivers in several Michigan counties and although the site could use some work, I reiterate – that education is the key. Teach those that use the Bridge card to budget in the same way that those that don’t have use of one are required to do when they get their paychecks.