The state will soon be able to block more out-of-state and online purchases made with federal food assistance funds.
Starting January 22, the electronic benefit cards used by people receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, will be set to automatically block purchases not made in Alabama or in person.
“We are extremely pleased to announce this new feature because it should curtail more of the electronic fraud that is stealing funds from eligible clients,” Commissioner Nancy Buckner said in a written statement Monday. “Over the past year we have implemented a number of new security features, with the assistance of our EBT card vendor, working to ensure SNAP benefits stay in the hands of Alabama families that need them.”…