Food stamp rolls soar

REXBURG, Idaho – More than 151,000 people in Idaho qualified for food assistance in May, compared to nearly 100,000 at the same time last year, officials say.

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare records show 11,665 people statewide qualified for food stamps during a one-month period that began in April, the Standard Journal reports.

At the agency’s last count in May, 151,449 Idaho residents were enrolled.

While the number of Idaho residents who qualify for food assistance has steadily increased and set new records every month since December 2007, numbers are expected to further increase after eligibility rules barring residents with more than $2,000 in assets were suspended June 1.

“There are many families who suffered a recent job loss who meet the income eligibility criteria for food stamp assistance but have some assets. The problem is, they cannot sell that boat or RV,” Russ Barron, administrator of the Idaho agency’s welfare division, said in a statement Thursday.

The state’s health and welfare department estimates about 4 percent of food stamp applicants have met income requirements but were denied assistance based on their assets.

The state is also adopting new income guidelines for a supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children. The new guidelines mean more families will be eligible for the program, which provides nutritious foods at no cost.