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Half of US Kids Will Get Food Stamps at Some Point

Figure hits 90% for black children, study finds

By the Associated Press

Posted Nov 2, 2009 9:29 PM CST

(AP) – Nearly half of all US children and 90% of black youngsters will be on food stamps at some point during childhood, and fallout from the current recession could push those numbers even higher, researchers say. The estimate comes from an analysis of 30 years of national data, and bolsters other recent evidence on the pervasiveness of youngsters at economic risk.

"Your neighbor may be using some of these programs but it's not the kind of thing people want to talk about," says lead author Mark Rank, a sociologist at Washington University in St. Louis. The authors say it's a medical issue pediatricians need to be aware of because children on food stamps are at risk for malnutrition and other ills linked with poverty. "This is a real danger sign that we as a society need to do a lot more to protect children," Rank said.

Electronic benefit transfer tokens for the Schenectady, NY, farmers market. Many markets are now accepting food stamps.
Electronic benefit transfer tokens for the Schenectady, NY, farmers market. Many markets are now accepting food stamps.   (AP Photo)
Costco said last week it will start accepting food stamps at its warehouse clubs nationwide.
Costco said last week it will start accepting food stamps at its warehouse clubs nationwide.   (AP Photo)
Lynda Wheeler holds her Link card, Illinois' version of food stamps, in Chicago on May, 1, 2008.
Lynda Wheeler holds her Link card, Illinois' version of food stamps, in Chicago on May, 1, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Some state Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, which have replaced actual food stamps or coupons.
Some state Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, which have replaced actual food stamps or coupons.   (US Department of Agriculture)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 13 comments
USAHomeofthebrave
Nov 4, 2009 11:41 AM CST
I'll Halla.
USAHomeofthebrave
Nov 4, 2009 11:40 AM CST
Hey Shannonals---- I am a black male and proud of it.
Shannonals
Nov 4, 2009 2:35 AM CST
Been listening to you Grand Wizard again I see cedarkey. I'm a Black male, and I don't believe the government or anyone owes me anything I haven't earned. Are you so stuck in a 60's mindframe and racist beliefs that you actually believe the comments you post? Have you even served your country? Advise you to give up the belief in sterotypes, step away from the computer and live in the real world.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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