More than 46 million Americans get federal food stamp benefits, a compelling indicator of the difficult economic times facing the nation.
The vast majority are legitimately needy, but a very small number are cheating — they sell their benefit cards for cash, which is illegal.
U.S. Department of Agriculture undersecretary Kevin Concannon this week that would give states broader latitude to investigate those selling or trading their cards. The could — if states take advantage of them — further reduce fraud in this important nutrition safety net program.
It comes on the heels of the USDA has undertaken to go after crooked groceries and convenience stores that engage in fraud.
These initiatives are important. Not only are we talking real money — fraud comprises an estimated $750 million a year out of a $75 billion food stamp program — but a healthy pursuit of those engaging in fraud will reassure taxpayers.
Concannon, the USDA undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services, visited with the Post editorial board earlier this week and spoke about the ways in which investigators can detect illegal activity.
Food stamps, issued through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), are issued via electronic benefit cards.
The switch from paper coupons, Concannon told us, has helped to reduce misuse. That’s because debit cards leave a that investigators can examine for suspicious activity.
Numerous charges made in round numbers, for instance, could indicate someone is in cahoots with a crooked store, trading benefits for cash.
In the first quarter of 2012, the USDA sanctioned more than 225 stores and disqualified more than 350. Most of those are smaller stores, Concannon said.
The rule change announced Thursday would give states greater power to investigate people who ask for four or more replacement benefit cards in a year. Those who sell benefit cards for cash have to get new ones in order to continue getting benefits. The rule change would empower states to hold up cards for those who need frequent replacements until state authorities can talk to them.
In Colorado, Scott Barnette, manager of the benefits debit card program, said this issue has been on the state’s radar screen for several years. He said the state Department of Human Services welcomes the additional leverage and clarity in the new rule. The state plans a more consistent approach among counties in rooting out food stamp fraud.
The additional scrutiny in Colorado and across the nation is welcome. For more than four decades, the food stamp program has been a lifeline for people who need help putting food on the table. Rigorous and successful efforts to ensure the program is being used properly will only strengthen public resolve to support it.
