US food stamp rise at a glance
US food stamp rise at glance
By The Associated Press | Associated Press | Oct 28, 09 4:48 PM CDT in
Business
Some 36 million Americans are on food stamps, an increase of nearly 10 million over the past two years. The program at a glance:
_ Food stamps were established by Congress in 1964.
_ The program pays for most foods. It cannot be used for household or personal hygiene products, pet food, prepared hot meals, alcohol or cigarettes.
_ Some 66 percent of those eligible participate.
_ The average recipient last June got more than $133; the average household, more than $293. The U.S. Department of Agriculture distributed more than $4.6 billion in food stamps that month.
_ Income limit is 130 percent or less of U.S. poverty level ($2,389 monthly for a family of four). There are adjustments for deductions and households with an elderly or disabled member. Some states have raised income limits to as much as 200 percent of the poverty level.
_ Nearly 200,000 retailers participate, up 20 percent since 2005.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
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