$2 million lottery winner still using food stamps for groceries

Michigan native Leroy Fick, 59, hit the jackpot last June, winning $2 million in the state’s lottery TV show “Make Me Rich” contest. With his lump sum of $850,000, Fick bought an Audi convertible and a new home. He is still, however, using a Bridge Card, which is Michigan’s version of food stamps.

According to state law, lottery winnings are classified as assets and not income, so Fick is still legally able to get food stamps. If a person’s gross income is less than the state eligibility requirement, they can get food stamps—even if they have millions in the bank. Fick’s lawyer, John Wilson, said:

Food stamps are paid for by tax payers and are meant to support low-income households. Fick called Michigan’s Department of Human Services (DHS) after winning the lottery and asked if he could still use his bridge card. DHS officials told him that he legally could use his card; however, DHS director Al Kimichik, said that they’re in the process of requesting a waiver from the federal government to end the lottery loophole. Senator Rick Jones commented: DHS is hoping for an immediate change in the policy and help to change the federal government act. In defense of using food stamps, Fick told WNEM-TV in Saginaw on Monday: Wilson said that his client will stop using the Bridge Card if state policy changes, but doesn’t feel bad for using the card since he paid the state more than $1 million of his winnings in taxes. Wilson further reported that Fick is in no way living like a millionaire.