News & Media

Legal Services NYC filed a federal lawsuit against NY's OTDA for failing to protect SNAP recipients from “skimming” theft due to outdated EBT cards. Plaintiffs demand secure chip cards and compensation for losses. Over 85,000 cases and $40M in stolen benefits were reported from 2023–2024. Advocates say the state lags behind others and must act urgently, especially since federal reimbursements ended in Dec. 2024, leaving millions at risk of food insecurity and financial harm.

The Homecrest Community Services Center recently held its 2025 Dragon Boat Festival Zongzi-Wrapping Contest, drawing 24 contestants and over 100 spectators. Participants had 20 minutes to wrap the most zongzi using traditional ingredients like pork, sausage, and salted duck egg yolk. Wu Ruohua won first place with 24 zongzi, followed by Chen Xiuqin and Wu Xueping. The organization's President & CEO, Wai Yee Chan, emphasized the event's role in preserving culture and community spirit.

Thousands of New Yorkers, especially seniors and immigrants, are losing SNAP benefits to EBT card skimming—a form of electronic theft exploiting outdated magnetic stripe cards. Annie Cheung, a 68-year-old retiree, lost nearly $460 and had no way to recover the money after a federal reimbursement program ended in Dec. 2024. Since Aug. 2023, NYC has received over 140,000 claims for stolen benefits, but approval rates are plummeting. Advocates and lawmakers are urging the state to adopt chip-enabled cards, as theft continues to threaten food security across vulnerable communities.