Record number of Americans using food stamps: report

[Roon]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Food stamps, the main U.S. antihunger program which helps the needy buy food, set a record in September as more than 31.5 million Americans used the program -- up 17 percent from a year ago, according to government data.

The number of people using food stamps in September surpassed the previous peak of 29.85 million seen in November 2005 when victims of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma received emergency benefits, said Jean Daniel of the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service.

September's tally -- the latest month available -- was also boosted by hurricane and flood aid, Daniel said on Wednesday.

But anti-hunger groups said the economic downturn is the main reason behind the higher figures.
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE4B28CB20081203?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews

Remember, this is the clenis' and obama's fault, it has nothing to do with bush.

[Kahuna]

1. Heckuva job repukes!! nt

[SoCalDem]

2. The double-whammy is this, though

grocery prices are waaaay up, and quantities in the containers are waaaay down..and I'm pretty sure that foodstamps (EFTcards) don;t go nearly as far as they once did:(

[Roon]

5. The mayo my Grandparents buy went up in price

and down in quanity. There is a HUGE dimple at the bottom of the jar now. That may not see much for one jar,but add a million jars and that is a lot of mayo!!

[unpossibles]

3. sigh

yet again, another telling example of the shining success of trickle down supply-side economics.

[NightWatcher]

4. I looked online and I might be eleigible for 134-144$ of food per month

I am thinking about applying. My SO is looking into unemployment and possibly even food benefits. I am beyond pride already and willing to get some of that government money just like the big boys

[Roon]

6. I have been on foodstamps ever since I became disabled

It was horrible 20 years ago when you had these books of coupons and you had to tear out the stubs one by one as you pay for your food. So embarrassing. Plus you have people hassling you in the food stamp office parking lot offering to buy your stamps

Now they have a card that you can swipe like a credit card. No one knows you are using food stamps. You could be using american express for all they know. It sure made it a lot less embarrassing.

You qualify, go get the food stamps. It makes life so much easier to have that supplement. And no one has to know!

[Sal Minella]

7. Do you have a private jet you can fly to D.C. and ask for help?

That's apparently the best way to get attention and get some funds.

After the Wall Street banks made their naked welfare grab, and the auto companies' attempted their naked welfare grab, I can't see why a private citizen in dire straits should be at all embarrassed to sign up for assistance from taxpayer-funded government programs.

I've never applied for food stamps either, but have the feeling the day is coming fast.