Government Uncovers Misuse of Meal Cards for Low-Income Children

Investigation results on the operation of meal cards for food-insecure children [Photo=Yonhap News]

The government has identified numerous cases of misuse involving meal cards intended to support low-income children at risk of food insecurity, prompting a significant strengthening of management systems. Reports indicate that in some areas, meal cards were used to purchase alcohol and tobacco, and instances were found where parents used the cards instead of their children.
On June 24, the Government Coordination Office's Anti-Corruption Task Force, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, released the findings of an investigation into the operation of meal cards for food-insecure children.
The investigation revealed that among 17 metropolitan and provincial areas nationwide, 13 reported cases of alcohol and tobacco purchases using meal cards. While convenience stores have technical barriers to prevent such transactions, some general supermarkets lacked adequate restrictions, allowing misuse to occur.
Additionally, cases were uncovered where parents retained the meal cards issued to their children, making false transactions up to the daily limit and using the funds for personal purchases.
Furthermore, over 14% of all meal cards were used at establishments with little direct relevance to meals, such as private academies, beauty salons, bars, and internet cafes. Transactions made during late-night hours, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., accounted for approximately 4.4% of total spending, amounting to 9.3 billion won.
The investigation also highlighted poor management practices. Some local governments failed to register card information in the integrated welfare management system, 'Happy e-Um,' or did not properly reflect changes in eligibility, such as the death of a child or admission to a facility.
In some cases, parents continued to use meal cards belonging to children who had died or were under protective measures due to abuse.
To prevent misuse, the government plans to implement item-specific payment restrictions in general supermarkets and limit transactions at non-food establishments and during late-night hours. Additionally, local governments will be required to register information in the Happy e-Um system, and regular checks will be conducted for changes in eligibility and suspected misuse. To reduce the issue of unspent support funds, the government also plans to improve the convenience of meal card usage by providing notifications of available balances via text messages.

* This article has been translated by AI.