MARQUETTE -- Food stamps are intended for those who can't afford to buy food.
Lori Ann Vollwerth writes, "I love fresh fruit but can rarely get it, because I don't have enough for two weeks, let alone a month. I eat one meal per day, because that is all that I can afford. I'm not complaining. I am grateful for anything."
There are people who are abusing the privileges of having food stamp assistance.
Officials say people lie on the applications, and others trade their cards for drugs.
Doug York, the Director of the Department of Human Services for Marquette, Schoolcraft, and Alger Counties says that if an employee suspects someone is lying on their application they will report it to the inspector general.
"We can assign it for investigation and see who's residing in the home. Whether or not truly that person is the only adult in the home, or if there's another individual contributing to the income of the family living in the home, which may disqualify them for assistance through our office," said York.
He also says they try to recover the money from individuals who have committed fraud. Through the State of Michigan the Department of Human Services has recovered over 30 million dollars.
Cheryl Hill, Marquette County Assistant Prosecutor, says that if a person commits fraud they will be prosecuted.
"Between $500 and $1,000 worth of food stamps is a five-year felony and a $10,000 fine. So we are talking prison time. For those true offenders who steal over $1,000 worth of food stamps, that crime is a ten-year felony and $250,000 fine," said Hill.
If you suspect or see anyone committing any fraudulent activity with food stamps, call the welfare hot-line at 1-800-222-8558.
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