Minnesota Millionaire Exposed SNAP Loophole
Why this is here: Undersander purchased lobster and filet mignon using his SNAP benefits to illustrate how the system allows individuals with substantial resources to access food assistance.
A Minnesota millionaire qualified for food stamps through a loophole in the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Rob Undersander, a retired engineer, discovered Minnesota eligibility relies solely on income, not assets. He applied for and received SNAP benefits for over a year, donating the funds to charity.
Undersander will testify Tuesday before the Minnesota House Public Safety Committee. He supports a bill to tighten eligibility rules with stricter income and asset verification. Minnesota experienced a 174% increase in SNAP benefits distributed from 2020 to 2021, reaching nearly $2 billion.
Federal spending on SNAP totaled $128 billion in 2021 and $127 billion in 2022. The America First Policy Institute advocates for asset tests and improved oversight to reduce fraud and strengthen the program’s integrity. Minnesota faces potential cost increases due to high error rates in its SNAP administration.