Experts predict record number of food stamps as economy slumps

clipped from blogs.usatoday.com Experts are predicting that the USA will soon have the greatest number of food-stamp recipients since the federal program began in the 1960s, according to The New York Times. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 28 million Americans will receive aid during the coming fiscal year. Total costs to the federal treasury are expected to hit $36 billion at that time, up from $34 billion in the 2008 fiscal year. Here are some sobering statistics from the Times story: •  One in eight Michigan residents receives food stamps. •  The number of aid recipients increased in more than 40 states between December 2006 and December 2007. •  At least six states -- including Arizona, Florida and Maryland -- posted 10% increases in just one year. •  To be eligible, a family four has to earn less than $27,560. Charleston Daily Mail s the World Food Program reported Read more about the FNS Food Stamp Program.