(4/8/2008)

Hunger

A recent New York Times article reports that the number of Americans receiving food stamps is projected to reach 28 million in the coming year. This would be the highest level of receipt since the program began in the 1960s. Michigan was highlighted as a state with a notable increase in food stamp usage. According to the report, one in eight residents now receive food stamps in Michigan, and the caseload has more than doubled since 2000.

The Food Stamp program is an entitlement program, with eligibility guidelines set by federal law. Eligibility is determined by a complex formula, but, basically, there is a strict asset limit, and an eligible recipient must have an income below $27,560 for a family of four or 130 percent of the federal poverty line.

The author speculated that the increase in the use of food stamps can be attributed to layoffs, and rising food and fuel prices.

You can read the full article, (“As Jobs Vanish and Prices Rise, Food Stamp Use Nears Record” Erik Eckholm, March 31, 2008) at http://www.nytimes.com/.

Unemployment

In a related New York Times article, it was reported that the number of people applying for unemployment benefits shot up last week to the highest level in more than two years. The source of the information used in this article is the U.S. Department of Labor.

For the complete article “Jobless Filings at Highest Level Since Late 2005,” (April 4, 2008) go to: http://www.nytimes.com/.