KINGSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — 28/22 News previously broke the story on skimmers draining EBT Cards in northeastern Pennsylvania and across the nation.
People lost everything on their cards, leaving them unable to buy food.
On Tuesday, local organizations are making sure these families have a meal on their table.
State Representative Brenda Pugh and a number of local organizations met on Tuesday to hand out food to those victims of the EBT scam.
Cars lined up outside of Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health in Kingston.
Families were waiting for groceries after a wave of EBT skimming incidents left many without money for food.
A change in federal law prevents these families from getting reimbursed so efforts like this one were a welcome sight.
"It's overwhelming, like, when we put out the call, people showed up, and that, I mean, they call us the 'Valley with a Heart,' right?" said Founder of Food Dignity Clancy Harrison.
"You know, it warms my heart. Somebody asked me 'Are you cold?' How can you be cold when you're helping so many families and you're filling cars with trunks full of food?" said Representative Pugh.
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It's a good thing those trunks were filled with food.
Organizers say they were prepared to serve at least 300 families with the help of dozens of volunteers and donations from local businesses.
"When we can come together and work together and make our communities stronger and healthy, and meet people where they are and what they need: That's super important," Harrison explained.
Representative Pugh had a message for those who scammed these families out of their grocery money.
"I have a lot of words for those that are responsible, they're cowards, and they need to stay away from the residents and those who are in need here in the state of Pennsylvania," Representative Pugh explained.
Now, Representative Pugh also recommended that those using EBT cards get them replaced immediately to prevent further theft. You can do so by calling 888-328-7366.
