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Record 34M Americans Use Food Stamps

About 600K people a month have been added recently

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 8, 2009 5:35 PM CDT

(Newser) – The number of people receiving food stamps surged by 1.2 million people in March and April to a record 33.8 million Americans, Reuters reports. Roughly one in nine US citizens were enrolled in the program in April, the most recent stats available. That marks five straight months of record enrollments. The stimulus package has temporarily increased the average food-stamp benefit by $40 to $133.

A woman fills out a form at the Sacramento county welfare office.
A woman fills out a form at the Sacramento county welfare office.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Electronic benefit transfer tokens are seen at the Schenectady Farmers Market.
Electronic benefit transfer tokens are seen at the Schenectady Farmers Market.   (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
luluzz
Jul 9, 2009 11:37 AM CDT
Thanks koku... this one floored me. My own daughter has been trying to get food stamps for 8 months following a car accident where she lost her car, her job and every penny. Court case will take 2 years, meanwhile she is in "hell" trying to eat and pay rent. She doesn't qualify because she is single and of working age. She's on a very long waiting list. So it bothers me or makes me jealous to see some so many others getting help.. including illegal aliens, but that's a whole other story.
kokuaguy
Jul 9, 2009 9:49 AM CDT
And pardon the "poor dw." I appreciate your contributions to the musings of this sometimes mean spirited, but mostly well meaning collection of news junkies.
kokuaguy
Jul 9, 2009 9:43 AM CDT
Yes Karl, please lighten up. Now I feel like we're picking on poor dw.

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New GOP Push: No Jobless Benefits for Rich

Texas Mom Shoots Kids as She's Denied Food Stamps

15% of Americans Use Food Stamps


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