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Number of Americans on food stamps rises
[September 04, 2009] WASHINGTON (AP) -- More Americans than ever before received food stamps in June, the Department of Agriculture said on Thursday, with more than 35 million Americans receiving assistance.
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The numbers are 22 percent higher than in June 2008. The number of Americans receiving food stamps rose by more than 700,000 people compared to May. The USDA administers the food stamp program, which was renamed in October as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, through its Food and Nutrition Service. The program helps to cover grocery costs for poor Americans. The food stamp program was established by Congress in 1964, which was then revised by the Food Stamp Act of 1977. The average recipient of food stamps in June received more than $133 in assistance. The average household received more than $293. Overall, the USDA distributed more than $4.6 billion in food stamps in June. They went to 35,122,123 recipients. The numbers, while only one indicator, are a sign that Americans continue to struggle with the country's economic downturn. June was the eighth straight month that the number of people on food stamps rose. People or households who have a gross monthly income of 130 percent or less of the U.S. poverty level are eligible for food stamps. |
