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Abuse of food stamps prompts tighter regs
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Posted on Oct 07 2005
The rising incidence of misuse and counterfeiting of food stamp coupons has led to stricter regulations implemented by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.
The food stamp coupons will get a new look and participants of DCCA’s Nutrition Assistance Program will now be required to present identification documents when redeeming their coupons.
This new regulation came pursuant to an emergency amendment to the NAP manual of operations. The modification was adopted by DCCA on Aug. 29, 2005 and published in the latest issue of the Commonwealth Register. Emergency regulations become effective upon publication, subject to the approval of the attorney general and the concurrence of the governor.
“The counterfeiting and other fraudulent misuse of Nutritional Food Stamp Coupons has become more frequent and sophisticated in nature,” DCCA explained.
“In order to protect unsuspecting vendors and the banks who redeem these coupons, it is necessary to change the physical look of the coupons and to institute additional requirements to ensure that only coupons issued to eligible participants of the [NAP] are used at the stores of authorized retailers,” the department added.
According to the new regulation, food stamp recipients—particularly household heads or their authorized representatives—who are exchanging their coupons for eligible food and items must present a valid photo ID and a valid food stamp identification card.
They must also print the photo ID number and food stamp ID card number along with printing and signing their name on the back of each coupon.
The new rule requires that all this be done in the presence of the vendor cashier.
The Nutrition Assistance Program benefits low- or zero-income families and individuals.
NAP is administered in accordance with the terms and conditions of a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Food and Nutrition Service and the CNMI government.
