Walpole Baker Taking Stand Against EBT Use on Sweets

Andrea Taber, owner of the Ever So Humble Pie Company in East Walpole is taking a stand against patrons of the Braintree Farmer's Market using EBT cards to buy her sweets, according to an article in today's Boston Herald.

"I have said that I would prefer not to take taxpayer money for my particular products," Taber told the tabloid. "The EBT program, or the SNAP benefits, it's the old food stamp program, and they're originally designed to provide nutritional foods for folks who can't afford to buy them on their own. Fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, cheese, products like that. What we make are a luxury or a gourmet dessert, which does not fit that criteria. And I just don't believe that the taxpayers money should be spent buying luxury or gourmet desserts for people who are having trouble putting nutritional food on their table in the first place."

Earlier this year, the farmer's market encouraged vendors to take part in a program where those with EBT cards could purchase tokens to use at the market.

According to the article, Taber is at odds with the organizers of the farmer's market about not participating in the program as she is the only vendor to not take part.

However, the Braintree Farmer's Market may make participation in the program mandatory, in which case, Taber would find somewhere else to sell her goods.

“If that’s the case, I’ll take my leave,” she told the Herald. “I’m not going to sacrifice my principles and standards for the sake of a few more sales.”

To read the article in the Herald click here.

What do you think about Taber's stand? Should people be able to use welfare money to purchase sweets? Where should the line be drawn on what can and cannot be purchased with EBT cards?