September 4, 2009 in Nation/World

Number of Americans getting food stamps rises

• Print
• Email
• Share

WASHINGTON – 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.

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 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.

Persons or households who have a gross monthly income of 130 percent or less of the U.S. poverty level are eligible for food stamps.

• Story
• Comments

No comments on this story so far. Add yours!