I think she has the right not to accept EBT.

I think shas has the right not to accept EBT .

She disn't know about the token program when she joinrd the farmers market?? She has retail space in walpole and if she doesn't want to follow the rules like every other vendor at the market she should just try abd grow her business from there

If a business wants to choose not to accept any form of payment, that is THEIR right. There are still businesses that are "cash only". I think it's fine that the town issues the EBT tokens to give EBT card holders access to fresh fruits and vegetables. But I also think it is fine for a business owner to choose the forms of payment they accept.

Your question is fundamentally flawed. "Can a business decide what form of payment to take" is the question, and the answer is of course! Only the grossly selfish and outrageous would think it okay for someone on the dole to use that money for a luxury item. This baker is a hero.

The problem she has with not selling them is that by law she has to because they're frozen, Had she baked them, they would have been considered "prepared foods" and therefore she would have been able to refuse them. Wouldn't be surprised if she got sued. I do believe that the tax payers shouldn't have to flip the bill for extravagant desserts, especially when a pie runs you $20.00.

So if I understand this article, the pie company owner is saying that people on food stamps [EBT] should not be allowed to purchase an occasional treat???? If she is worried about good nutrition, why be selling sweets at all? Yes, the concept of food stamps is so that individuals and families can purchase wholesome and nutritious foods, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't ever be able to have a sweet treat for themselves or their children. If she wants to sell her wares at a farmers market that has tokens for EBT customers, then she should have to honor those tokens. Nobody forced her to open up a booth at the farmer's market.

I think this is a good article, but "what do you think?" shouldn't be the headline. I thought Patch was a news organization?

I wrote the company because I was a customer until reading this. I think they are taking a holy-than-tho and punitive attitude. While I have been fortunate enough to be employed and not need an EBT card, there are people I know who were out of work for years. They looked continuously because the economy is weak and they are older. It shocks me to think that they could have been treated so poorly by (N)ever So Humble Pie Co.

For someone in a retail/wholesale business to make that kind of statement is absolutely close to insane..what business is it of hers if someone decides to eat a pie or a steak with their ebt card. I think she made this statement to bring attention to herself and her failing pie business..this is more of a political statement than a human statement..money is money and it comes in many forms..who owns the money has the right to spend it in whatever they see fit..even if its on one of her not so good pies..ive had them and they are horrible..and she needs to change the name of her business cause humble this lady aint..she is arrogant and is gonna find herself right out of business one day with these kinds of statements and publicity stunts.. then she will be on ebt and looking to buy a pie!

No, I don't believe the EBT cards should be use for anything but good foods,vegies,fruits. That's what they were invented for. To feed our children better nutrition.

The EBT cards are already being use for to many things that they were not intended for. IOt's time we control this better. If people are not going to use as meant, givet to those that are really in need and will use it fot the right reasons, as keeping their families well and teaching them how to eat and stay healthy.

My sister used to get this benefit. Baked goods are considered prepared food. This merchant has every right to refuse this form of payment. He/she is obeying the law. I saw this story on Fox News as well. If these folks want to bake they can buy the ingredients in a supermarket and bake for themselves. They should pay cash for prepared food. You can't use an EBT at a restaraunt for the same reason. EBT cards aren't meant for people to go out on the town and rip it up. They are meant for folks who really need help getting buy to purchase necessary food items. I completely support the merchant. If I wasn't dieting I'd purchase from them.

It's like someone buying your product with your tax dollars O' it is someone buying your product with your tax dollars. When it comes to financial aid luxuries should be left out because you should be in survival mode.

I love this woman! She has every right to turn them down. I wish more people would. There needs to be some serious reform with the EBT system. I personally think that people should not be able to buy prepared foods at all. They should also have to by generic when it at possible. IT needs to be more like the WIC system. It is the tax payers footing the bill for the EBT system and most of the people on the system are eating better than those not on it. I think the thing that irks me the most is the sign on the lobster tank at Shaws that reads that people can use their EBT cards to buy the lobster but not to steam it. OK, why is lobster an option. This is to help people who are low income. I hate getting stuck behind somebody in line buying Filet Mignon and other expensive things with my tax dollars while my family is eating ground chuck. There should be guidelines for what they are allowed!

One thing that everyone is avoiding is that there are plenty of people who are or were on food stamps that spent many years paying taxes. Why all of a suddenly do they not count?

With all due respect, what does this have to do with Dedham??

It' s not always easy to take a stand for your principles. Criticism will come in many forms, especially from people who believe that EBT cards should be used for any/all purchases. I applaud this woman's courage. She could easily take the money and increase her profits, but she has chosen not to. I visited her shop as a show of support and purchased some amazing products with money that I earned as a small business owner.

lowertaxes you obviouisly are unaware of the fact that you cannot purchase "prepared foods" with an ebt card..her pies are frozen and not "prepared" they are not baked..if they were they would not be available to ebt holders..this is the point..they are within the guidelines of the ebt rules/regulations..she is making a personal statement and not a business statement and not following the rules...she should have just opted out of the farmers market and called it a day..but she chose to open up a can of worms and make this a "statement"..very much a negative statement about people who hold ebt cards..this is condescending and arrogant on her part and as a business woman, poor judgement in my estimation..why does she or anyone else need or want to tell people what to eat or not eat..hello, anyone remember nazi germany!!!!

Pie? I would hope beer & cigarettes would come before pie. Not to mention tattoos & HDTV's bought with EIC "earned income credit". Poor ...ha check out real poverty in another country.

If the government does not reel in this frivolous spending, we will soon follow in the footsteps of Greece. This is just a small example of the overall bigger problem. Congrats to her for saying what is on the minds of many in Massachusetts, but are stepped on when we say it. Govt needs to stop riding the back of folks that work for a living

I think the owner does have a right to choose the type of payment she accepts. I don't think that you should be able to make extravagant purchases with food stamps that taxpayers are paying for, when you can go home and make a pie for a third of the price, or buy one at Stop and Shop for about half the price. Isn't that the point, to motivate folks on welfare to work up to the place where they can independently purchase extravagant things on their own when they can afford them?

Back in the 20's and 30's my Grandmother grew up on welfare and she used to tell me that the state would make unannounced visits and check to see what the money was being spent on. If they saw any candy or sweets then they would lower the money they received. This merchant had every right to refuse an EBT card as payment, however I find it very unprofessional of her to be making these statements. As someone else said, she just got all of the free publicity she needs.

Gee I have always wanted to buy one of those pies. I work, but can't get any help and am barely surviving. Sorry i don't think i should have to pay for EBT holders pie.. Took my grandkids to farmers market to got to pick fresh cucumbers and cherry tomatoes great treats, they loved them.

The ebt is like the wic program stands for women's, infants and children. Only milk, cheese, veggies and fruits. This is what u would find at a farmers market. I volunteer at a comm. farm and we only take vouchers worth $10. No charge cards. Only cash.

It's so moving to hear the lofty judgments from all of the "taxpayers" above. Well I'm a taxpayer who smells bigotry alive and well in this case. This is not an isolated incident. It goes along with the persecution of the poor and unfortunate that has been championed by the right-wing in American politics. They provide permission for people like this pie seller to give vent to their prejudices.

Sounds like you sell a product that you know is bad for people, or is at best unnecessary. Maybe you should refuse ALL forms of payment and protect us all. What a patriot you are, go America.

I love that my fellow Americans believe that poor children should have no pie. The government should only cover the most basic forms of sustenance - scrapple, hardtack, and possibly some unflavored oatmeal. That will build character in our youth.

I can see both sides of this situation, but if someone is at a farmer's market buying healthy food with an EBT I don't see any reason why that same person can't buy a whoopie pie for dessert. If the person went to the farmer's market to buy 3 dozen whoopie pies and nothing else, that would be a different story.

Dennis please feel free to sign your entire check to welfare recipients. What planet are u from?

Let's be clear EBT should be used for nutritional food only as that is the intended purpose. As for the women selling whoppie pies she is entitled to her opinions and business decisions. The farmers market representative made the threatening remark that accepting tokens maybe mandatory for vendors next year. I find her response to the baker to be unacceptable as the farmer's market is for all (EBT and non-EBT) If I want to indulge in a pastry I can use my own money to purchase the product. EBT is a safety net that the baker and most people agree is essential but people should follow the intent of the program. The baker did and the rep did not.

I am hopeful that we can eliminate further luxuries for welfare recipients, I'm thinking that the purchase of athletic sneakers, cellphones, and pens should require proof of American citizenship and a letter from a Congressman certifying that you have not received entitlement benefits for at least 6 months. It's time to bring personal responsibility back.

I also believe that pies should be heavily regulated, anyone who has been in a pie fight knows that unscrupulous pie bakers can sneak dangerous ingredients into their confections - almonds, broken glass, jicama, you name it.

I feel like I cannot wake up from a nightmare when I read most of the post above. People claiming right to decide what other person can or cannot buy. They want to limit or even deprive others of a right to make a small life choices.They want to assume control over another person life, as if that person lost all her/his rights to make decisions, as if that person was a peon in hands of sanctimonious taxpayers. As if they were that person guardians or jailers. That need to assume control over the smallest decision of another person sounds like a stop toward totalitarian system of government. Small, but dangerous. There is so much hate, jalousie, contempt aimed at other human beings disguised as a fiscal responsibility that I feel scared.It is unbelievable how easy was for Boston Herald 4 articles to bring that resentment up and legitimize it. All those attacks are aimed at the right to buy a cookie. Cookie! Cookie? Are you serious?
There are billions of dollars given to corporations, to wall street... to farmers, and yet it is so much easier to attack welfare abuses than corporate abuses...

Ms. Taber is correct. Food stamps, paid for by you and me, folks, is to help families buy wholesome and nutritious foods, not prepared baked goods. When wanting a treat, pies, cakes and cookies can be baked at home. Food stamps may be used to purchase eggs, butter, flour, milk, etc.

"As if they were that person guardians or jailers"; the only ones who portend these qualities is the current regime who enslave those in 'poverty' with handouts and freebies; whether it is cell phones, subsidized housing or Earned Income Credit which assures large tax refunds even though they may not even work. Who in their right mind turns these things down? Just like the $600k mortgage they got for a $500k triple decker in a depressed neighborhood. Only to cash out the remaining $100k for SUVs and flat screens. Don't pay the mortgage, taking 2 years to foreclose on the house you run down while collecting rents from the other two suckers and you're in like Flynn. No problem with bad credit - it clears in 7 years, just when the business cycle comes back around and you'll probably have a good job, too afterwards since the incentive is Diversity and Civility - Good Luck with that!

I have worked hard all my life and sacrificed many times because I may not have had the funds to purchase something that may have been a luxury.
Now, people who are living on my dime for a prolonged period of time should realize that what they receive is supposed to be a "temporay" safety net to help them until they can support themselves.
What happened is politicians have increased these programs and made them permenent for many. There are now close to 50 programs available to the "needy".
Eg: Welfare, free healthcare, food stamps, rent assistance, heat assistance, free cell phones, and the list continues. There are many who receive so much aid that there is no need to seek employment or better oneself.
I'm sorry if I sound angry, because I am angry. Why should I work my tail off, pay taxes that go to programs that began as honorable gestures to those in need of help, when they realize they can also have some things better than I without putting in the effort.
To those who aren't "playing the system", I apologize to you. I have no problem helping those truly in need. We, as taxpayers, should set limits on the benefits able bodied, healthy people receive. To children and disabled I feel completely different about. Its the able bodied, lazy, deadbeat I object to. Limit them to X amount of time they are eligible to receive benefits for their lifetime. A "free ride" forever is unthinkable. If I do without a "Whoopie Pie" those with EBT cards should also.

I imagine many working individuals are asking themselves when was the last time they could afford lobster or a twenty dollar pie? Just sayin'...

@Chrissy: Look in the mirror and think about the secret race card that is being played in this whole sordid discourse that hides behing an economic front.

this whole list of "opinions" is getting more and more absurd and off the subject..its pretty clear and simple..ebt parameters are spelled out to those who receive it..they know what they can purchase and what they cannot purchase..and unbaked pies can be purchased as they are not prepared foods..as well as a rotisserie chicken prepared in a super market..you can buy the whole raw chicken or the unbaked pies or pie ingredients, etc etc..so thats pretty easy to understand..and the pie lady has a right to accept whatever form of payment she wants at her own business..it was when the farmers market said that they "collectively" were accepting ebt as a payment that the pie lady decided that she was not just going to leave the farmers market (how do you farm a pie??? why was she there in the first place) she was going to "make her opinion on people on assistance" known and known loudly..she created a forum for her own opinion..there really is no need for this entire rant by all of us..its very simple..but thank god that we are in america..land of ebt and pies where we can all express our opinions and duke it out on our computers..and in the morning...the whole thing will still mean - absolutely nothing..cause the people on ebt know what they can purchase and not purchase and the lady with the pies can use any form of payment at her "not so humble" pie company and no one is really gonna lose any sleep over it!!!!..get some rest and put your energy in places where it matters folks!!

we should let EBT users buy her pie and realize they taste like dried carboard, and then they will stop all on their own

I believe any public business has the right to accept whatever form of payment it chooses and agree with Andrea Taber. Pies and deserts are not food choices of people that need help. I think Andrea is probably as fed up as I am with too many people depending on the government to take care of them. I understand some people are in legitimate need of help but the government should put restrictions to bare minimum necessities in an effort to curb costs to the tax payer....or at the very least make these EBT card holders pass drug and alcohol tests. Tough love.

You can't have your pie and eat it to...even if this is America - once a great nation, the Beacon of Hope to so, so many oppressed in far distant shore and now we only have to look as far as the closest food pantry. Get a grip! American pie is no longer a choice of many Americans....

The small business person in this nation is already overburdened and if she or he decides to make a decision in their business, it is their decision, not this overburdening goverment from the WH down to the locals where somehow those "entrusted" to lead have decided that they know best and from what we see here on "Main Street USA" - we see a worsening economy and a government larger and larger, imposing itself in every way possible with increased taxes and fees indifferent to the plight of far more Americans - real citizens - who are very much challenged and the prognosis, further erosion of the fantasy as the America lost to those self-serving bureaucrats and who I refer to as the "beltway bandits" --

Christopher Tingus
Harwich, MA 02645

@Tingus--Where is your concern about this?:http://thinkbynumbers.org/government-spending/corporate-welfare/corporate-welfare-statistics-vs-social-welfare-statistics/

lowertaxes - unfortunately that customer is or will be a card carrying liberal - just the way it is - disgusting isn't it...this has nothing to do with race as some have suggested - has to do with keeping their voting base happy

Those figures on corporate welfare are disgusting. I demand drug testing of all corporations receiving my tax dollars, I will not rest until I know that the big banks are heroin free.

This discussion has not been any longer about one baker not wanting to sell her pies to owners of EBT cards. It has been about mostly republican party members/supporters who demand the right to control other people small, life decisions. Once again, I have to say that this is a step toward totalitarian system by the people against other people. It is heart breaking and ridiculous. I believe that is why Dennis tells his last name, as he is not ashamed of his opinions, most of his opponents doesn't.
The second point I would like to make is that taxpayers, who are not just a peons of propaganda should turn their attention to much more important and disastrous causes - starting with huge corporate welfare.
The third point, since those voicing their right to control life decisions of people on welfare are mostly supporters of Senator Brown, it would be interesting to hear his opinion.
The fourth point: If that opinion is so prevalent among conservatively thinking citizens then Andrea Taber should go To Republican national Convention as a symbol of the party.
The fifth and last: Dennis is making many valid points yet those points mostly energize his opponents. Without allowing themselves to be elucidated that repeat the same arguments. People who repeat single slogans, unfortunately, have much more energy, then those who trt to infuse thinking into the polemic. Will Patch let my post go this time? I wonder...
Maria Hrabowski

Well Maria -" People claiming right to decide what other person can or cannot buy." as you stated...I guess the only people that can decide that is the federal government?? ie = Obamacare...I think most folks just think if this baker doesn't accept EBT cards so be it. Some restaurants are cash only - so be it. Lets face people of all races are abusing the welfare system - the public is saying enough - contribute to society if you are able to

The "pie lady" is playing God at the Walpole Farmers Market today. There was no line at her table.

I feel the Department who issues the EBT cards should mandate what can and can't be purchased with said card...and businesses should abide by it.......Bottom line is that it begins at the top and if the Issuing Dept. feels the pie lady was right or wrong...they should speak up and give their findings....

From a practical and nutritional point of view, EBT cards should not be used to buy pies, whether it be at the grocery store or at the Farmer's Market. While some may argue that they occasional 'treat' should not be denied, a $20 pie is truly beyond a treat and in most households, a luxury. If an EBT recipient has enough EBT $ left over for a $20 pie, then perhaps they are getting more taxpayer funded benefits than they need. Examine our school lunch programs and the federal mandate. (You can bet slices of this pie aren't on the menu.) From a nutritional point of view, lower incomes are associated with obesity and increased health problems including diabetes and heart disease which has a tremendous impact on our government health care system, which is undergoing severe change right now that affects each and every one of us. The system(s) are broken and must be fixed, by both parties, by all Americans.

Lots of bombs going back and forth and lots of assumptions that go well beyond the data provided here. What sounded to me like a minor, but interesting, issue involving a company that makes pies we enjoy, obviously hit a raw nerve.

Here's where I come out --

1. I appreciate that someone chose to forego revenue for a product they sell out of concern that the government money used to buy it was not really intended for that purpose. It would have been easier to just take the money and run. Many others do. I didn't see this act as a "marketing ploy", but in light of the responses here, I suspect there will be a marketing impact. In my case, I will express my appreciation by buying a pie a lot sooner than I might otherwise have done. It sounds like others may do the opposite.

2. I think there is a broad general consensus in this country that we want our government to help people out when they are on the verge of falling through the cracks. I don't think there is even a remote level of agreement that we want our government to determine some level of "luxury" at which all people should be supported. There is no "occasional reward" that the government should be providing. If people who are being partially supported choose to spend money they have earned on their own for something, that's their business. If the person who tried to buy the pie had chosen to pay for it with money they had earned, it sounds to me like they would have been able to buy it.

...but under Ronald Reagan's administration, ketchup was considered a vegetable. Let's give credit where credit is due for inspiring healthy changes in youth diet--including school lunched---Michelle Obama.

I've read maybe 10 separate articles on this issue, and in none of them does she ever say that anyone has tried to buy a pie from her using EBT tokens. In fact, she contacted her representative about it, then the Boston Herald, just about the principle that someone COULD buy a pie from her using the tokens. My bet is that not a single person has tried to buy ANY of her pies using EBT, and that probably nobody ever would have. If anyone had tried to buy a pie and she refused, THAT would have been the lead story ("Pie Baker Refuses To Sell Welfare Mom A Pie"). Instead, all she did was take her hypothetical pie-sale and turn it into a front-page right-wing marketing bonanza. Good on ya, lady, might as well soak as many people for $15/pop if you can con them into believing that they're strengthening America by purchasing your overpriced pies. in my neighborhood that's what we call a JACK, nice work.

GM that was very "slick" of you....you obviously didnt read the comments that spoke about what is permissable by EBT..you just said..wow, i can jump in here and rant about people on assistance who take advantage of the system and your tax dollars...many people have spoken about what is acceptable for purchase with an ebt card..and the not so humble pie lady certainly knows the parameters as well...you cannot buy "prepared" foods with your ebt card...her pies are un-prepared..they are frozen raw - you bake them when you get them home...just like ebt card holders cannot buy cooked rotisserie chickens in the market but they can buy chicken parts and cook them..so with that said..if the pies were within the limits set by ebt..then what is the argument...certainly not the pie..the argument here left its roots and ran into the "politicos" and self-righteous people who want to see people on assistance corralled and policed and treated like lesser people because the self-righteous people go out and work and take care of their families and dont need any assistance from anyone and they hold up their share of the burden for the country, so why should they help anyone... get out of your own head for a minute..its not about you the wonderful worker bee ...its about 300 million people..there are and forever will be people who need assistance and there are now and forever gonna be people who abuse the system..manageing the abuse needs to happen but policeing what people eat...shame on you!

I love it. Kudos to anyone who isn't blinded by greenbacks in favor of seeing the bigger picture.

By most of these comments you would think that people on government assistance are just sitting around in a nice home by their pool eating caviar and truffles all day. Everything is not black and white people. Do you think these people want to be poor? People are really struggling these days. You all sound like your very upset about where your tax dollars are going, which I understand. if your so upset shouldn't you be directing your anger at corporate welfare. I have worked hard all my life and have fortunately, never been without a job so far but I could lose my job tomorrow and then where would I be. I would need government assistance just like the banks, corporations, and yes poor people who are just like you and I. Yes the baker can do whatever she likes but it makes me sad to think that people are so heartless.

David and Miguel,
Please help me here. We are talking about"pies" here correct? I could understand if a business denied struggling people with basic required nutrition. Last time I checked "pies" are not considered one of the basic food groups. At a time in our history where we have a record number of Americans on Food Stamps, I don't see any problem with a business that sells pies expressing its views on these matters by only accepting certain forms of payment. Last time I checked no one died from malnutrition because they were denied a pie.
needed some Listening to your comments you would think t

we are not talking about pies...that was how this got started..we are talking about a simple matter..allowing people who have ebt cards to choose what they want to eat within the parameters set by the ebt governing body!...its that simple..they know what they can buy and cannot buy..they have the right to choose whatever they want and however much of their allotment they want to use on whatever..they get no more when they use up their monthly allotment..so why should anyone care or step into someone elses shoes and decide what they should buy with their ebt card..is everyone on this subject eating properly and exercising the right amount..give me a break..im sure everyone here indulges beyond what is "nutritional" at times..why shouldnt someone on ebt..the next thing these self righteous people will want to do is limit the number of toilet paper squares a welfare recipient can use in a day!!..we are all so quick to decide what the next guy should do or say, etc etc..but god forbid we take a good long look in our own mirrors or our own families or our family histories..no one is exempt!!!! give it a rest and do something productive for yourselves and the world!!!!

You ask "so why should anyone care or step into someone elses shoes and decide what they should buy with their ebt card?" We care because:

(1) We are American Citizens that vote, pay taxes and enjoy our constitutional right of freedom of speech. (the same right that allows us to both express different points of view), (2) We care how taxpayer money is spent and the huge deficits and debt the country has accumulated, (3) Our Governement Cares - Your "EBT Governing Body" has already made decisions about what individuals "should buy with their ebt card" They prohibit alcohol, cigarettes, pet foods, hot foods, foods eaten in a store, etc. They looked at the question of the implications of restricting the use of food stamp benefits over five years ago in 2007 (before reliance on the program has exploded) and recognized that "by most standards most American diets are in need of improvement" and recognized "the interest in using Federal nutrition assistance programs to promote healthy choices", however decided it was too dificult of a problem to solve. They thought offering healthy incentives was a better alternative. That is why our government has instituted a "Healthy Incentive Pilot" program where a 30% subsidy is being offered for produce, and finally (4) I agree both with the company owners action as well as her right to make this decision. No - we will not "give it a rest" because we care what our government does.

I do work and I attend college, I have one son and a loser ex-husband. I don't make enough money to cover all expenses, esp. Medical care; which my employer dosen't cover. After graduating i will have a better job. I do receive F.S. and i buy, fruits and veggies but i also buy some donutes,coffee, and 1 liter of soda. I love salmon, I buy that once in a while if it's on sale, I buy chicken,ground turkey and beef. I may be poor but can i have a little expense. We rarely eat out, once a month I take my son to eat McDonalds,. I know a lot of people who are poorer than I am, I pray for them.