By Charles Abbott

For the first time, more than 34 million Americans received food stamps, which help poor people buy groceries, government figures said on Thursday, a sign of the longest and one of the deepest recessions since the Great Depression

Enrollment surged by 2 percent to reach a record 34.4 million people, or one in nine Americans, in May, the latest month for which figures are available.

It was the sixth month in a row that enrollment set a record. Every state recorded a gain in participation from April. Florida had the largest increase at 4.2 percent.

Food stamp enrollment is highest during times of economic stress. The U.S. unemployment rate of 9.5 percent is the highest in 26 years.

Average benefit was $133.65 in May per person. The economic stimulus package enacted earlier this year included a temporary increase in food stamp benefits of $80 a month for a family of four.

Continue reading US Food Stamp List Tops 34 Million For First Time

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8 Comments

  1. I agree, Catherine, that it is easier and safer to take one’s anger out on the powerless than on those with power. Much is being written in the news today about anger being expressed at the ‘town hall’ meetings of Congresspersons…but I don’t think that’s exactly the same as taking out anger toward the powerful.(And, of course, much of it is actually orchestrated by those with power.)
    But I’m wondering where all of this anger IS leading. What are some ways to allow for or help facilitate healthy and productive expressions of anger?

  2. If 34 million people are on food stamps, it seems it coincides with the number of people who are unemployed and their families. I know that there are abuses and ignorant use of the program, but for those who need it, it is a blessing. Pray that the monies alloted go to the well-being of those deserving it. I find that instead of being angry about the abuses, it is healthier to turn it over and think positively about it.

    Those who abuse government programs sometimes get caught and get arrested. Here is a rather high-profile example of abuse. http://cbs13.com/entertainment/mickey.dolenz.wife.2.1118940.html I don’t know how the woman rationalized taking the money, as it has been spent and now is owed back. She will not have benefitted from the abuse as she didn’t even live in the apartment. She will likely end up paying the cost in multiple ways, one of which is the public humiliation of her well-known husband.

  3. Sometimes, it is much easier and safer to take your anger out on powerless people than those with power….particularly if you do not have a good map of how the money really works.

  4. I read the hundreds of comments on Forbes article. A majority were irate people complaining about the bums eating high off the hog on the govt. Not a single complaint about the massive bailout of wall street and bankers (which makes food stamps look like chump change), corporate welfare nor any sentiment that perhaps unemployment might have contributed to people applying for food stamps.

    How vaccines work in the body. Extremely important.
    http://newsblaze.com/story/20080927170755tsop.nb/topstory.html
    Dr. Andrew Moulden, a recent guest on C2C, a scientist and an MD has discovered how vaccines can cause the problems they cause. http://www.brainguardmd.com

  8. IS the Food Stamp money given to help people buy Monsanto’s/GMO food products? If I ever go on them I would like to buy all organic!

    I watched this Dr. Rebecca Carley’s 15 video’s last night and found I agree with her totally, in fact, I have studied and personally been treated, and my doctors were guided by these very same concepts, since I was 23yrs old. I feel, what I do for my personal health is my business and right. When I work for the traditional medical field I have to put on their hats and abide by their ways & rules and regulations.

    Vaccines – The True Weapons of Mass Destruction Part 3 of 15
    Be sure you watch Part 4!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RInjqa04njg&feature=related

    Dr. Carley….check out her website…and radio What’s ailing America….
    http://www.drcarley.com/
    HORRORS OF VACCINATION EXPOSED
    AND ILLUSTRATED: PETITION TO THE PRESIDENT
    TO ABOLISH COMPULSORY VACCINATION (pdf)

    She mentions flouride and prozac dangers…..
    Vaccines – The True Weapons of Mass Destruction Part 5 of 15
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0H699WsIag&NR=1

    Dangers of getting a Mammogram every year!
    Dr. Rebecca Carley
    Vaccines – The True Weapons of Mass Destruction Part 8 of 15
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1-W8fZtUDY&NR=1

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