SNAP under fire: Skimming thefts, proposed cuts leave Oregonians struggling to feed families

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are facing another blow.

Last week, the Department of Justice indicted 19 people for using skimming devices to steal half a million dollars in SNAP benefits from Oregonians – money then spent on baby formula to sell on the black market.

Now, House Republicans are considering cutting $230 billion from the program over the next decade.

Recently, Nicole Williams was checking out at the grocery store with her two kids in tow. But when she swiped her SNAP benefits card, there was no money – $900 was missing.

“It was just really embarrassing because it didn't work,” Williams said. “So I just ended up using a credit card that I've never used and I guess that's what emergencies are for. But it still just put me in a bad spot for April.”

She’s one of hundreds of Oregonians who were victims of SNAP benefit skimming theft. She tried to file for an appeal, but the government said they wouldn’t recoup the missing funds.

“I have to be really careful with my finances,” she said. “Just like a lot of us living in Portland, living paycheck, paycheck.”

Now Williams and others have new threats on the horizon. Last month, the federal government made cuts to USDA food programs. Plus, Congress is talking about a possible 20% reduction in SNAP benefits.

“That's money for a single parent and that's just money for kids' food that I could use,” Williams said.

Nothing is set in stone, but a decision from Congress is expected in the coming weeks. 

It will come at a critical time as summer is around the corner, when children lose access to school meals. As a result, food assistance programs, like the Sunshine Division are anticipating a surge in demand for their services.

“We're expanding our home delivery, we're expanding our hours, we're expanding our summer food box for families with kids,” said Kyle Camberg, executive director of the Sunshine Division.

When the government cuts aid – Camberg said – they can’t do this work alone.

“It's driving more people to our front door,” he added. “So we are asking if people have the ability to give. We're gearing up for another storm here.”

Single moms like Williams say surging grocery prices are already taking a toll.

“That's make or break for a lot of people,” she said. 

You can donate your time, money or food with the Sunshine Division.