I agree it is an emotive and important topic. I also rather think you made some erroneous assumptions and judgements about me.
I have shopped at a giveaway store -- one that gives away clothing and food and other items. One must apply and qualify to shop there, and is given vouchers to use as scrip. I qualified by income level; I did not just walk in and take advantage of an inexpensive brand-name item I saw in my size. I have also qualified for food at local church food pantries.
Of course there is some self-consciousness about shopping at a giveaway shop. Just as there is in pulling out a food-stamps card at the grocery store where most customers pay with credit cards. In fact, I believe that is why instead of food stamps the government now distributes food cards that swipe like a regular credit or debit card.
It's very much an "us" and "them" thing. Shopping for designer clothes at a consignment shop is not like shopping at a giveaway shop. People who use food-stamp cards are looked upon by many other people as lazy parasites. I have twice in my life been only a few dollars away from being homeless or living in my car.
That's why when people criticize the federal government in my country I am quick to reply that it subsidizes the rent on my home, helps me buy food, and, once I turned 65, covers my medical care (something it should have done from the day I was born).
I'm glad to read that you realize that many of us in this income bracket are not crazy, lazy, or criminals!