Audit: Missouri food stamp mismanagement leads to fraud, abuse

Missouri Auditor Nicole Galloway says mismanagement of the state's food assistance program by the Department of Social Services has led to fraud and other problems.

"The department needs to take these recommendations seriously to ensure they are able to root out bad actors who are abusing the system," she said. "When mismanagement leads to waste, fraud and abuse, the program is not serving its purpose, all while taxpayers are footing the bill."

The audit brought to light questionable transactions made outside of Missouri, as well as those receiving food assistance while incarcerated. In some cases, purchases were made by another person after the cardholder had died.

DSS officials said they are working on solutions and would "take action to either close or verify the recipient is still residing within the state of Missouri."

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