Iowa Congressman Zach Nunn is taking a strong stand against food assistance fraud, calling for urgent reforms to prevent vulnerable families from losing vital benefits due to theft. At the center of this push is a proposed law that would ensure victims of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud are reimbursed quickly and fairly — without being penalized for a crime they didn’t commit.
The urgency for reform became clear after multiple Iowa families, including a 65-year-old Army veteran and a refugee household, lost their SNAP benefits due to electronic theft. Their stories reflect a growing issue nationwide, where outdated EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card systems have made recipients easy targets for fraudsters using skimming devices.
Veteran’s SNAP Benefits Spent 1,000 Miles Away
David Schroeder, a 65-year-old Des Moines resident and military veteran, recently found out that his $64 in monthly SNAP benefits had been drained — not in Iowa, but in New Jersey, a state he hasn’t even visited. Similarly, a refugee family living in the area lost $900 worth of food assistance to similar fraudulent activity.
These are not isolated cases. According to Iowa’s Department of Health and Human Services, 395 calls and 119 official theft reports related to SNAP fraud were filed in May 2025 alone. The agency acknowledged a sharp rise in such incidents and warned that outdated EBT card technology is a big part of the problem.
Why SNAP Cards Are So Easy to Hack
Unlike modern bank cards that use chip technology, many SNAP recipients still rely on magnetic strip cards. These older-style cards are far more vulnerable to “skimming” — a tactic where criminals install fake card readers on store terminals to steal card details.
“These families did everything right. They didn’t lose their cards. They didn’t share their PINs. Their benefits were just electronically stolen,” Congressman Nunn told Iowa Public Radio.
Nunn is now introducing a bill that would not only transition EBT systems to more secure chip-based cards but also require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promptly reimburse SNAP recipients who report fraud.
A Better Way to Handle SNAP Fraud
Under the new proposal, victims would no longer have to go through a complicated waiver process to get their stolen benefits back. Instead, the USDA’s Office of Inspector General would verify the claim, and once confirmed, the reimbursement would be processed automatically.
This is a significant shift from the current system. As of now, reimbursement depends on individual state plans and, in many cases, leaves victims waiting weeks — or not being repaid at all. The USDA’s official guidance on this issue is available here.
The Clock Is Ticking
One of the most frustrating aspects of the situation is that a federal reimbursement program did exist — but it expired on December 20, 2024. Congressman Nunn’s bill seeks to reinstate that program permanently.
Nunn emphasized that no American family should be left hungry because of a loophole in the system. “This is not a red or blue issue. It’s about common sense and compassion,” he said.
The legislation is being discussed as a possible addition to the upcoming Farm Bill, which oversees all federal agriculture and food assistance programs, including SNAP.
Bipartisan Support in the Works?
While the final text of the proposed bill hasn’t been made public yet, there are early signs of bipartisan interest. Protecting SNAP recipients is politically popular — especially when the narrative centers on military veterans, hardworking families, and innocent children being denied access to food due to high-tech theft.
At a time when grocery prices remain high and food insecurity is rising across the country, Congressman Nunn’s plan could bring a vital safety net to some of Iowa’s most vulnerable communities.
How Victims Can Report SNAP Fraud
Until the legislation is passed, Iowa residents experiencing fraud should immediately report their case to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services. More information can be found on their official website at hhs.iowa.gov. Victims can also reach out to the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service for support and investigation updates.