Thousands of Alabamians are struggling after their EBT benefits were stolen, leaving them without money for food. Despite repeated attempts to contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), FOX10 News has received no response. When reporters traveled to Montgomery to meet with DHR officials face-to-face, they were met with silence and a request to submit questions via email. The agency has acknowledged the issue, stating that 16,500 people have reported stolen benefits since November, with $6.7 million reimbursed. However, a recent funding bill excluded an EBT reimbursement fund, leaving those whose benefits were stolen after December 20th without recourse.
For weeks, Alabama DHR has not responded to FOX10 News after numerous calls and emails. So, we decided to make a trip to Montgomery and meet them face to face. The stories have been heartbreaking. Thousands of people across the state telling the same ones. No money for food because someone stole their EBT money right off their cards. \ “It’s not our fault that this has happened,” said Ashley Waters.
“I mean I feel like the government, if they can protect everything else, why can’t they protect the food stamps.”, Alabama DHR told me 16,500 people had reported their EBT accounts were nearly wiped clean and $6.7 million had been reimbursed since November. Recently, a government funding bill was passed, which did not include the EBT reimbursement fund. That means anyone whose money was stolen on or after Dec. 20 won’t get their money back. \“It’s rough,” said a single mother. “I am having to scrape up change to make sure the kids have a Christmas dinner.” For weeks, Alabama DHR has not responded to my phone calls or email. So, we decided to make a trip to Montgomery and meet them face to face. After arriving at the Gordon Persons Building, I made it to the second floor where I was hoping to talk to DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. Sparkman is the one I’ve been reaching out to via phone calls and emails over the last several weeks, but he hasn’t responded. Sparkman and the other employee, who I was told is the new communications director, both refused to do an on-camera interview and instead asked me to send my questions in an email. I have tried contacting the agency through emails and phone calls for weeks, but to no avail. We sent our questions to the new communications director and also reached out to Gov. Kay Ivey to get a statement. UPDATE: Woman found laying in the middle of West Lagoon Avenu
ALABAMA DHR EBT THEFT FOOD STAMPS GOV. KAY IVEY GOVERNMENT FUNDING
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