I agree with you on the rest of your points, but where do you see food stamps only apply to the smallest containers of food?

I’m in a red state, and years ago I was on food stamps. I could buy most groceries without a problem with them. I could buy larger containers of pantry staples, as long as I had the available funds.

Are you talking about WIC? It was far more restrictive and honestly nerve-wracking making sure I got the right items that were covered. It didn’t help when the cashier would get snarky with you and act like you were a moron if you chose wrong. (Selecting the cheese was the worst.)