What is worse than coupons...food stamps. Chalk up 30 minutes if you get behind someone with food stamps. I really don't understand the process, yet from an outsider this is how it goes...
Ton of groceries are lined up. Clerk starts to check them all in. Persons pulls out stamps. Clerk look at them, and then looks in some book. Person with stamps pulls back random items. Clerk then leaves. 10 minutes later clerk comes back. Clerk and bagger recheck items. More items are pulled back. Child in cart starts to scream. Some items are added from the ones pulled back. Clerk leaves again. Clerk comes back. Some random manager and clerk looks in book. Items are removed. About 30 minutes later items are finally bagged up and person leaves.
I witnessed this a few times. Now when I see the signs, even if I am the next person in line with all my stuff on the conveyor belt I switch lines. Then I watch other people and their frustration.
I understand this doesn't go on in most places. I used to go to the super rich supermarkets. Yet now I need to take care of my dad, and I shop for him. The local Kroger by his house is near a less privileged area. This is not a commentary on the poor. It's a commentary on the system. I have no idea how it works. Yet all I know is if you get in line behind some who uses food stamps, switch lines or prepare to use your groceries for provisions. You will be there for a while.