From: Public News Service Press Play (►) for Audio Report

The number of Pennsylvania residents who applied for food stamps jumped in 2009 and, with the effects of the recession still very much in the picture, 2010 is likely to see even greater demand, according to the state's social welfare agency.

Food stamps are funded 100 percent by the federal government. In Pennsylvania, more than 700,000 people used them during November of 2009, the last month for which figures are available.

Stacey Witalec, spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, says numbers like those are not viewed as a negative.

"We see that as an opportunity for more low-income families to gain access to nutritional foods that will help them stay healthy and be more successful when they go to school, when they go to work and hopefully, eventually, transition off of the welfare rolls entirely."

The increased eligibility means more families can now receive food stamps, says Witalec.

"We went from having people be eligible at 130 percent of the federal poverty guideline to now 160 percent of federal poverty. We were able to capture more families who may not have been eligible for the program previously."

Even before the final 2009 statistics are available, it's apparent the food stamp program is set for major growth in 2010, she adds.

"We know that the numbers are increasing, but we drive enrollment to this program, so we'll continue to look forward to another prosperous year as a program."

2009 also brought the first change in food stamp eligibility requirements in two decades. Prior to the change, a family of four had to earn less than $29,000 to be eligible. Under the new rules, the same family can earn just over $35,000 and still qualify for food stamps.
 

Tom Joseph, Public News Service - PA