Health News from Reuters
Back to previous page
Back to health news main page
Americans on food stamps tops 36 million, new record
Last Updated: 2009-11-04 14:11:17 -0400 (Reuters Health)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans receiving food stamp assistance soared above 36 million for the first time in August, the eighth month in a row that enrollment set a record, the U.S. Agriculture Department said on Wednesday.
USDA said 36.492 million people were receiving food stamps, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
In July, enrollment stood at 35.851 million. At the current rate, an estimated one in eight Americans receives benefits.
The program, which helps poor people buy food, has seen enrollment jump by 4.707 million during 2009 amid a lingering economic downturn in the United States. Participation grew by 2 million people from May to August.
In the latest data, the average person received $132.99 in August, compared with $101.31 in August 2008.
Back to previous page
Back to health news main page
Copyright © 2001-2009 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.