Advocates Urge Congress to Extend Replacement Benefits
WASHINGTON, December 14, 2024 — The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) and the Coalition on Human Needs (CHN) are urging Congress to prioritize extending the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) replacement benefits in the Farm Bill extension within the end-of-year spending package.
“As families gather to celebrate the holidays, Congress must act to protect our most vulnerable families from SNAP benefit theft,” said Crystal FitzSimons, FRAC’s interim president. “It is unconscionable that some in Congress would stand in the way of providing SNAP replacement benefits to those who have been victims of fraud.”
Recent advances in SNAP card security, including the adoption of chip and tap technology, will significantly reduce the risk of benefit theft (known as skimming) moving forward, but there is an urgent need to replace stolen benefits and make households whole in the meantime.
“At a moment when some lawmakers are wrongfully blaming SNAP participants for fraud or pointing fingers at states, it’s critical to remember that theft by skimming is neither the fault of SNAP recipients nor due to state inaction,” said Deborah Weinstein, executive director of CHN.
Across the country, criminals are targeting outdated Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) technology to steal benefits from those who have the least. More than $150 million in SNAP benefits have been stolen from at least 313,000 households. The loss of these benefits puts families at significant risk for hunger.
Research underscores the economic and health benefits of SNAP. Every dollar invested in SNAP generates $1.54 in economic activity during an economic downturn and supports local economies. SNAP improves health outcomes, which lowers Medicaid costs associated with the negative impacts of food insecurity.
“We are grateful to the champions on the Agriculture Committee and in Congress who have tirelessly worked on this issue, but now is the time for all Members to come together and act. Families harmed by benefit theft can’t wait,” added FitzSimons.
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About Food Research & Action Center
The Food Research & Action Center improves the nutrition, health, and well-being of people struggling against poverty-related hunger in the United States through advocacy, partnerships, and by advancing bold and equitable policy solutions. To learn more, visit FRAC.org and follow us on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.
About Coalition on Human Needs
The Coalition on Human Needs (CHN) is an alliance of national organizations working together to promote public policies which address the needs of low-income and other vulnerable populations. The Coalition’s members include civil rights, religious, labor, and professional organizations, service providers and those concerned with the well- being of children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. To learn more, visit chn.org and follow us on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
