Kentucky State Kicked Single Mother Off Food Stamps for Buying Groceries at Her Workplace

Single Mother Wins Lawsuit Against Kentucky Over Food Stamps Disqualification A single mother from Salyersville, Kentucky, has emerged victorious in her lawsuit against the state after being kicked off the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to allegedly suspicious shopping patterns. The woman, who worked at a local store where she purchased food, claimed that the state's decision was draconian and based on incomplete evidence. According to court documents, the mother had been receiving SNAP benefits since 2019 but was disqualified in 2020 after investigators concluded that she had committed fraud. The state alleged that she had made multiple same-day purchases, tried to overdraw her account a few times, entered invalid PINs, and made whole-dollar purchases unlikely during typical grocery runs. However, the mother explained that she would sometimes buy lunch at the store where she worked and then purchase groceries after her shift. Her child also occasionally used her card. An administrative hearing officer rejected her explanation, citing the allegedly suspicious shopping pattern as grounds for disqualification. "I was shocked when I received the letter saying my benefits were being terminated," said the mother in a statement. "I knew I had done nothing wrong and was determined to fight this decision." The mother's lawsuit argued that the state's decision was based on incomplete evidence and did not take into account her legitimate explanations for her shopping patterns. A judge ultimately ruled in her favor, finding that the state had failed to provide clear and convincing evidence of fraud. "This case highlights the importance of ensuring that those who rely on SNAP benefits are treated fairly and with dignity," said a spokesperson for the mother's lawyer. "We're glad that justice has been served, but we hope that this decision will also lead to changes in how the state handles similar cases in the future." The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a critical safety net program that provides food assistance to millions of Americans, including one in eight Kentuckians. In 2020, over 1 million people in Kentucky relied on SNAP benefits. This case has significant implications for those who rely on SNAP and highlights the need for states to ensure that their policies are fair and transparent. As the mother's lawyer noted, "This decision sends a strong message that the state must do better in protecting the rights of its most vulnerable citizens." The mother's victory is seen as a major win for advocates of social justice and food security. As one advocate noted, "This case shows that even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, individuals can fight for their rights and come out on top." *Reporting by Fortune.*