Monterey, CA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, Or Food Stamps) Future Mulled By Congress

View From A Nonprofit Serving Seniors In Carmel, Carmel Valley, Gonzalez, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Salinas, Seaside And Soledad California

The debate in Congress continues over how much to cut the food stamps program, also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP.  Its $80 billion budget is a huge target, even though with 47.3 million people on it, the benefits on a per person basis at $133 per month are nominal.  Many of those trying to make major cuts to the budget have a conspiracy theory where they see people selling them on the black market to buy alcohol and cigarettes.  Studies have shown that this is just not true on a widespread basis.  Currently, the black market sale of food stamps is just 1.3% of the program.  However, some merchants have been unscrupulous, allowing customers to come in and swap the food stamps for cash and then taking a big cut.   One merchant was just sent to prison for doing just that, keeping 30% of the proceeds for himself and conducting a nearly $5 million fraud out of a small town store.  I am glad that our government is working diligently to try and cut fraud in the food stamps, Medicare and Medi-Cal programs.  It's a huge problem in our country. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/19/us/food-stamp-fraud-in-the-underground-economy.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20131219

Please note that this blog reflects my personal opinion and may or may not reflect the opinion of Hands to Help Seniors and the individual members comprising the Board of Governors.