DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - An investigation has found 30 percent of
the inmates at the Polk County jail were illegally collecting
food-stamp benefits.
Federal rules prohibit people from collecting the benefits while
behind bars for 30 days or more. But Iowa doesn't routinely check
on compliance.
The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals last March
checked the names of the 519 inmates at the jail. It found 30
percent, or 157 inmates, were illegally collecting food-stamp
benefits, now accessed via an electronic card.
Some inmates gave their cards to others, while others sold
theirs.
The Iowa Department of Human Services administers the food-stamp
program. Spokesman Roger Munns says when the agency is informed a
person has been in jail for more than 30 days, the benefits are
canceled.
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