Food stamp need soars; level of help doesn't

[flashl]

Program meant to be nation's largest line of defense against hunger

Spiking prices of staple foods have put the pinch on Washington's poorest, who are signing up for food stamps in record numbers but finding the assistance isn't keeping up with rising costs.

Prices paid by consumers are up nearly 5 percent across the board for groceries in the past year. But prices on some basic foods -- grains, milk and eggs -- have increased by more than 30 percent in that time, industry sources say.

...

Department administrators first thought the spike was caused by the December storms and flooding. Now, though, increased prices for gas, food and rent as well as the weakening economy may be responsible for the increase, said Glynnis Ashley, administrator for food policy at DSHS.

The food stamp program remains the nation's largest line of defense against hunger. Vouchers are redeemed at grocery stores for staples, but cannot be used for highly processed or prepared food.


Seattle PI

[MichiganVote]

1. 1 in 8 families in Michigan. Ross Perot knew what he was talking about.

[asjr]

2. I bought 3 items at Walmart today. --

totaled $9.56. Two loaves of bread and dry catfood.

[Adsos Letter]

3. well...

maybe they should take some of the money going to finance religious programs through the "faith-based" initiatives and apply it to a secular cause...such as food stamps or secular poverty-relief programs.

In fact, they oughta' take ALL of the money going to faith-based programs and put it back into secular, non-discriminatory, Constitution-compliant programs.