http://www.freep.com/article/20131022/NEWS06/310220127/
really? no sh*t.
That is one system that needs a serious overhaul!!!!!! Most folks that I'm aware that have them are abusing them. I understand there are folks who need food assistance but this is basically a joke on the taxpayers in too many cases. There are folks making a good income with food assistance while working legitamately or under the table in some fashion.
I will never understand why they can be used in gas stations and liquor stores anyway. Who let gas stations become "grocery stores?" So you can buy your kids chips, pop, and candy?
Why not ZERO tolerance for violators????
The Office of Inspector General Benefit Trafficking Unit [[BTU) investigates instances of public assistance trafficking in which individuals are buying and selling benefits for cash or ineligible items including: tobacco, alcohol, firearms, drugs and gambling. Violations of the Food Assistance Program occur when food assistance is redeemed for cash, offered for sale in person or on the internet, or when unauthorized items are bought or sold. Individuals who intentionally violate the Food Assistance Program are disqualified for a period of 12 months for the first offense, 24 months for the second offense and permanently for the third offense.
Some retailers violate the Food Assistance Program by accepting food assistance for cash at less than par value or for unauthorized items such as tobacco, alcohol, etc
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