Food Stamp Applications Up

There is a “large increase" in Food Stamp applications, according to Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services. Ten thousand more people have applied, resulting in an 4.3 % increase compared to this time last year.

Officials aren’t sure if it’s escalating food prices or increased unemployment fueling the demand. Last year, enrollment in the program declined by about a thousand people.

Nationwide, a similar trend is occurring, with the US department of Agriculture reporting 28 million Americans enrolled in the program. In Georgia, about one in ten residents are on food stamps. The average benefit is just over two hundred thirty dollars.