A growing number of low-income families in Massachusetts are grappling with the theft of their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, a crisis exacerbated by organized crime rings and outdated card technology. Dawn Hines, a 46-year-old mother of two, found her account drained of $608 within minutes after completing a grocery run. This alarming trend has left thousands without essential resources for food, while federal funding to replace stolen funds has been suspended since December. With potential cuts looming over the SNAP program, advocacy groups urge state action to bridge this critical gap.

In recent months, over 7,800 households across Massachusetts have had more than $3.6 million stolen from their accounts through skimming devices installed on retail card readers. These devices capture data from electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards, enabling criminals to clone them and make unauthorized purchases. According to Birabwa Kajubi, associate commissioner at the state Department of Transitional Assistance, these crimes are often linked to organized crime networks operating nationwide. Since 2021, such thefts have surged, resulting in over $220 million being siphoned off nationwide in fiscal years 2023 and 2024 alone.

Despite efforts to combat fraud, current EBT cards lack modern security features like chip technology, which generates unique transaction codes and significantly reduces the risk of theft. California recently became the first state to introduce chip-enabled EBT cards, marking a step toward addressing this issue. In Massachusetts, Governor Maura Healey has proposed allocating $15.5 million to upgrade existing systems. However, transitioning to secure payment methods will take time, leaving vulnerable populations exposed.

Compounding the problem is the absence of comprehensive federal protection for EBT cardholders. Unlike credit or debit card users shielded by anti-fraud measures, SNAP recipients face significant challenges when their accounts are compromised. Tools introduced last November allow users to lock their accounts via apps or online portals, but swift thefts often occur before recipients realize their funds are at risk. Advocates emphasize that immediate assistance is crucial for affected families struggling to meet basic needs.

Amid discussions surrounding substantial budget cuts to the SNAP program under the Trump administration, state officials and advocacy groups are urging increased investment in replacement funds. State Senator Robyn Kennedy advocates for doubling previous allocations, emphasizing the urgent need to support low-income households reliant on these benefits. Victoria Negus, senior economic justice advocate at the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, highlights stories of parents skipping meals and counting pennies just to feed their children, underscoring the dire circumstances many now face.

As calls for systemic reform grow louder, experts warn that without swift intervention, vulnerable families may continue to bear the brunt of this escalating crisis. The introduction of advanced security measures and adequate financial support remains paramount in ensuring no family goes hungry due to preventable fraud. Until then, individuals like Dawn Hines remain caught between rising costs and diminishing resources, uncertain about how they will sustain themselves through increasingly challenging times.