I am not saying don't accept it if you need it... especially if you have payed your fair share.

But, it should definitely be a last resort.

If you have gone out to eat recently, you don't need food stamps.
If you have gone to the movies recently, you don't need food stamps.
If you have purchased a firearm recently, you don't need food stamps.
If you have purchased a case of ammo recently, you don't need food stamps.
If you have purchased a case of beer recently, you don't need food stamps.

If you cannot afford your rice, beans, and bread... then, if you are not doing the above things, you might be worthy of food stamps.

As someone else put it... it is not a lifestyle choice. It is for an emergency, that you use for a short time until you get things straightened away.