Senator Schaffer Introduces Resolution to Help Hungry Families in Crisis Fight SNAP EBT Fraud

COLUMBUS—State Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) introduced Senate Resolution 29 this week, which urges the United States Congress to resume restoring stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to theft victims and implement anti-fraud measures in the SNAP program.
 
SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) food card fraud has increased dramatically over the past year and a half with almost $15 million being stolen from Ohioans in need.
 
“Up until December of 2024, the Federal government was restoring these lost benefits,” Schaffer said.  “Unfortunately, this was not reauthorized in the federal continuing resolution and now these families in crisis are being targeted by criminals and losing their benefits through no fault of their own.”
 
The resolution also asks Congress to implement, and fund increases in anti-fraud measures such as replacing current SNAP EBT cards with new, modern cards with security chips.
 
“It is imperative that Congress resume restoring these lost benefits as well as implement enhanced anti-fraud measures to stop the common theft practice of card skimming among other theft and fraudulent actions,” Schaffer said. “We should do all we can to protect taxpayer dollars and our most vulnerable families.”
 
Senate Resolution 29 now heads to the Senate Workforce Development committee for further consideration.