Should students be using Bridge Cards?

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - An increasing number of people are applying for and using the Bridge Card, a modernized, electronic version of food stamps.

As of July, 1.5 million Michigan residents were signed up for the program; a 23 percent increase from 2008.

But the face of government assistance has changed. It's not just for struggling individuals and families anymore. More and more college students are using the benefits.

"It's a government program where you get an allotted amount that you can spend on food for a month," said Kathryn Brandoff, of West Bloomfield.

When 24 Hour News 8 visited Central Michigan University, almost student approached had heard of the Bridge Card.

"I'm applying for one," said Dustin Humphries, of Clarkston. "I just got my interview on the phone. It's a really good program."

Said Kyle Riopelle, of Troy: "Groceries are really expensive and $200 is a lot to help out, so you can spend it on other things like rent."

Asked 24 Hour News 8: "What do your parents think?"

Said Riopelle: "They love it. My mom filled out my application."

Bridge Cards have been the topic of numerous college newspaper stories and talked about by professors.

"(Our teacher) told us that we should sign up for (Bridge Cards) and gave us all the information to register," Central Michigan student London Thomas said. "She told the whole class to."

It's not clear how many Michigan college students are receiving government food assistance. The federal government, which provides the money, could not provide a figure.

The state, which administers the Electronic Benefits Transfer program, didn't know either. The question, "are you a student?" does appear on the Bridge Card application.

Michigan lawmakers say they have nothing against free food for people who are struggling. But with rising numbers comes rising abuse, which is some cause for concern.

"It's a bridge," said Rep. Bob Genetski, R-Saugatuck. "And the idea of a bridge is to help you over rough waters, and at this point, it's more of a highway."

One issue is the ease in applying for the assistance. Applications can be done online, and this fall, Michigan got a waiver from the federal government to conduct interviews over the phone -- rather than in person. This ease could explain the popularity on campuses.

Applying for food assistance is a lot easier than the application process for college financial aid. That process involves the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA form, which goes into great detail about assets and income.

And the Bridge Card paperwork?

"They ask your income, if you have a job (and) how much you're making," Central Michigan student Keely Rudolph said. "They don't ask about your parents."

The students 24 Hour News 8 spoke with are receiving $200 per month in food assistance. All say their parents have jobs but give them little support toward tuition payments. Usually, the parents paid their students' rent.

We asked: "Now, your parents, were they going to cut you off? Did they say they weren't going to buy you food anymore?"

Said Rudolph: "No, no, they help me out. I thought, 'why not get one?' All my friends have them and I saw how easy they are to get."

Another CMU student, Taylor Ackermann, said her parents stopped sending her money for expenses this year, when she became a senior. She works as a waitress 20 hours a week.

At first, Ackermann wasn't sure if food assistance was right for her.

"Personally, when I hear the word 'food stamps,' I think, oh my gosh, I'm not on food stamps," she said. "But a Bridge Card? I think (it) has little more of a positive connotation with it."

Over the years, the federal government has tried to stop middle-class college students from applying for food assistance. In theory, students are supposed to spend more hours earning a paycheck than going to class.

As for Michigan's current practice, federal officials said this: The staff is "currently working with the state to determine if the state's current policy regarding student eligibility needs to be in compliance with federal regulations."

Students are supposed to list all forms of income on their applications, even cash handouts from parents. And when they don't?

"If we question the truthfulness of the information supplied, we will verify income," said Al Kimichik, of the Department of Human Services. "We will verify relationships. And (we) will attempt to determine where the money is coming from.

"We investigate thousands of fraud complaints a year."

But some lawmakers want more. They want to make an audit of the program mandatory, and make sure students who receive assistance are not listed as dependents on their parents' tax forms.

At the very least, they want to change attitudes on campus about government food assistance programs.

"College is that part of your life when everyone is struggling," said Rep. Joe Haveman, R-Holland. "That's just part of the college experience is going to school, working part-time and making it through those years."