Improving Fairness and Accuracy in Food Stamp Investigations: Advocating Reform Under Food Stamp Regulations

Abstract

Some state food stamp agencies are overly aggressive in pursuing charges that claimants have committed intentional program violations. Just as failure to pursue allegations of fraud can undermine the Food Stamp Program's goals, so can intimidation of claimants. States should take care to follow appropriate procedures in their investigations, and Food and Nutrition Service regulations offer ample grounds to advocate fair treatment of clients. Four key principles should guide states' antifraud efforts.

Keywords: food stamp regulations, federal regulations, United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service