Economic Recovery Act
Nutrition Recovery In the News

Local food stamp applications see big jump
The Times News, May 6, 2009
"The department is scheduled to get $51,239 in federal Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to help administer the food stamp program. The DSS is considering using the money to pay employees overtime to process applications, hire retired DSS workers to do the same, and farm out some applications to an outside contractor for processing."

Ranks of East Texans needing nutrition assistance increases
Longview News-Journal, May 4, 2009
"The supplemental nutrition assistance program - formerly called the food stamp program - served more than 2.8 million Texans in April."

Officials: Food stamps provide financial boon
The Daily Journal, May 4, 2009
"An increase in food stamp use is giving needy residents access to a basic necessity but county officials say the program benefits the entire county by directing dollars back into local coffers."

About $118 million in federal stimulus money expected to pass through DHS
Tulsa World, April 28, 2009
"Oklahoma has started to receive $16.2 million in the stimulus allocation for food stamps for this fiscal year and expects $64.8 million in the 2010 fiscal year."

It's possible to apply over the phone for food stamps
South Pittsburgh Reporter, April 28, 2009
"With the economic stimulus,- $779 billion in benefits for PA residents - consumers will receive a 13 percent temporary increase in benefits. The minimum benefit is increased to $16."

Not on 'food stamps,' but still stuck with a stigma
KOMO News, April 27, 2009
"As part of the stimulus package, the federal government also expanded access to benefits by temporarily lifting a time limit imposed by Congress under welfare reform that gave able-bodied adults without children three months of benefits for every six months unless they work 20 hours a week. The time limit is lifted until September."

Food stamp benefits hiked
Erie Times-News, April 26, 2009
"Nationwide, about 14 million households with an estimated 32 million people are benefiting from the increase. Pennsylvania will get an increase of $779 million in food stamp benefits from 2009 through 2013, reaching nearly 1.3 million people during that time."

Growth in food stamp allotment boosts economy
Newsday.com, April 26, 2009
"Humble food stamps may deliver the single biggest bang for the stimulus buck, boosting the economy by $1.73 for each dollar spent, according to an analysis last year by Moody's Economy.com. And that was just one of the places the money started to flow this month as the vast machinery of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act cranks into gear."

More families counting on food stamps
North Jersey.com, April 22, 2009
"'Our staff is straining to keep up' with applications, echoed Steve Dorsey, supervisor of income maintenance at the Passaic board. 'We're doing our best.' The counties are getting funds from the federal economic stimulus package to pay for staff overtime because food stamp applications must be processed within 30 days, Lavin said."

Federal Stimulus Money Helps Feed Illinois Residents
Galesburg Radio 14, April 21, 2009
"President Obama's stimulus bill, the recovery bill that we just passed a few weeks ago, is going to put additional payments into food stamps. That's additional money for these folks to buy food at grocery stores so that they can keep their families together while they're struggling with unemployment and struggling with jobs that don't pay as much as they need."

As economy sours, more turning to food stamps
The Providence Journal, April 20, 2009
"The State of Rhode Island, along with the federal government, has worked to make it easier for the recently poor to receive food stamps (now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP). Passage of the federal stimulus package led to major changes in the system, including a boost in benefits ranging from $2 to $24 a month."

Record numbers of Montanans collecting food stamps
Associated Press, April 19, 2009
"More than 1 in 11 Montanans now use food stamps to help cover their grocery bills. At the start of April, they received a record $10.6 million in food stamp benefits. The federal stimulus bill was one reason for the increase. In April, federal food stamp benefits shot up 13.6 percent, with the maximum monthly benefit for a family of four rising from $588 to $668."

CNMI to see hike in food stamp funding
Saipan Tribute, April 17, 2009
"The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has granted the CNMI's request to increase food stamp benefits by 13.6 percent-the nationwide level set under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act."

Stimulus Money Hits the Supermarket, Then the Roads
New York Times, April 17, 2009
"Worth about $30 a month to the typical food stamp recipient - and $91 million a year across the state - the additional benefits are among the first of the federal stimulus dollars to reach New Jersey."

Durbin Talks Up Stimulus Plan At Local Food Pantry
Journal Online, April 15, 2009
"U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin chose Des Plaines' Catholic Charities' food pantry as the backdrop Monday to discuss how money from the federal stimulus package will increase assistance to pantries and those receiving food stamps."

Food stamp recipients see benefit increase
The News Press, April 15, 2009
"About 19,000 poor residents in Buchanan County have gotten a hefty increase in their monthly food stamps from the federal economic stimulus."

1 Of Every 10 On First Coast On Food Stamps
First Coast News, April 15, 2009
"Federal stimulus dollars are helping local agencies provide more food stamps to recipients than ever before. Toni Butler is a single mother of three young children. When health issues forced her to quit work, she turned to the state for food stamps to put meals on her family's table."

Nonprofits Have Key Role in Drawing Down Stimulus
WNPR- Connecticut Public Radio, April 14, 2009
"Another big job for nonprofits is to make sure residents in need take advantage of new sources of money, that will in turn bolster the state's economy. That includes everything from bigger tax credits for college students to new support for small businesses and unemployed youth...Connecticut's still waiting for most of the stimulus checks to be cut. The only new federal money that has arrived so far is a $25 weekly bump to unemployment compensation and increased food stamp benefits."

Health and Welfare receives money for programs
KIDK3 News, April 14, 2009
"'We've seen a 30% increase in the numbers of families applying for food stamps over the last year,' he says. Because of the increase, Health and Welfare is receiving 64 million dollars for the food stamp program alone, allowing them to increase the amount an average family gets, a 14% increase for each family."

Packing lunches
OColly.com, April 13, 2009
"Leaver said the federal stimulus package included money for the SNAP program, which will increase benefits to recipients by 13.6 percent. 'Not only will this enable people to buy more food, but it's also good for retailers because people are spending more money,' Leaver said. "For every $5 in SNAP benefits, that generates probably more than $9 in community spending."

Food banks to receive federal funding
ABC 7 News, April 13, 2009
"The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act is intended to help feed the increasing number of families in need. Also, average households of four receiving food stamps will see benefits go up by $80 this month. Sen. Dick Durbin was at a pantry in Des Plaines on Monday to discuss the funding and why it's so important."

Calif. Food Stamp Increase Brings More Food to the Table
Vida En El Valle, April 11, 2009
"As of April 1, the 1.15 million California households that use food stamps began receiving about $341 in food support per month, up from $300. The additional money comes from the federal government: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provides the California Food Stamp Program with $47 million in new funding each month through 2010."

Federal stimulus cash pumped through Florida's budget
Miami Herald, April 10, 2009
"'Many of these programs aren't just important. They're vital,' said Sen. Mike Fasano, a New Port Richey Republican who sits on the budget committee. Fasano said the stimulus package -- worth about $13.4 billion over three budget years -- has two aspects: expanding the safety net to help people in need and spurring construction projects that put more people to work."

Nationwide food stamp increase not enough, say local experts
The New Hampshire, April 10, 2009
"A dollar and sixty cents per meal, per person was the maximum amount of money allotted to food stamp recipients before the national increase earlier this month. The increase, which is a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, gives a household of four a maximum balance of $688 a month, or $1.85 per person, per meal."

Signs all over LI of how hard the economy has hit
Newsday.com, April 10, 2009
"Government is trying to help in other ways, too. For the first time in almost 20 years, the state budget wisely raised the basic welfare grant by 10 percent a year for the next three years. A family of four had been receiving just $307 a month. The federal stimulus package also added $25 a week to the paltry $405 maximum in unemployment benefits that New Yorkers receive. And eligibility was extended from 26 to 33 weeks. These measures are improvements, but they're still not enough to survive on."

Newly poor struggle to find relief
The Daily Journal, April 10, 2009
"State and federal leaders can help the needy of San Mateo County by changing eligibility and funding requirements that hamstring local providers from aiding those who can’t make ends meet but aren't considered deprived enough to receive government assistance, according to local advocates."

Mobile food pantries help ease burden of those struggling in rural areas
The Capital Times, April 10, 2009
"The monthly mobile food pantry run by Catholic Charities is evidence of how the organization has focused more efforts on rural communities in southern and southwest Wisconsin that have been particularly hard hit by the economic crisis. Like the Catholic diocese it is affiliated with, Catholic Charities is based in Madison and serves 11 counties."

Food stamp recipients to get increase
The Leader Herald, April 9, 2009
"Fulton, Montgomery and Hamilton counties each will receive about a 13.6 percent increase in federal funding for their food stamp programs as part of increased statewide funding through the federal stimulus package."

Missouri House committee passes bill allocating federal stimulus funds
Missourian, April 9, 2009
"The House Budget Committee passed Gov. Jay Nixon's supplemental bill on Wednesday. The bill, which was approved without opposition or amendments, calls for the appropriation of $155 million to several state departments for the remainder of this fiscal year. Of that, $93.3 million would come from the state's $4 billion federal stimulus money."

Panelists at Drexel discuss hunger
Philly.com, April 9, 2009
"Although Mayor Nutter alone cannot end hunger in the city, his interest is an important first step, said the panelists, many of them longtime veterans of an endless fight. 'What the city is doing is providing political will to deal with hunger,' said Mariana Chilton, a hunger expert and professor in the Drexel University School of Public Health, where she and the other panelists met. 'This mayor is addressing hunger, and we never had that before.'"

Governor visits San Diego Food Bank
Union Tribune, April 8, 2009
"'These are tough times for people across our great state,' Schwarzenegger told a press conference. 'Families across this country are struggling and stretching every dollar to make ends meet. The global crisis is hitting workers from all segments of society, many of whom never dreamed they'd be in such a dire situation.'"

Video: Food Stamp Use Hits Peak in Jefferson County
FOX 8, April 8, 2009
"The need is obvious at the national level - 32 million people use food stamps. So more money is flowing from the federal and state governments, including $13 million just set aside for the north country."

More Using Food Stamps
NBC12 News, April 8, 2009
"More Arizona families are turning to food stamps during these tough economic times. The Department of Economic Security reports 27 percent more families are using food stamps this year. Despite the increase, however, it's estimated one in three people who qualify still aren't taking advantage of the help, and now there's even more help available. The federal stimulus money has boosted food stamp amounts. For example, now a family of four receives an extra 80 bucks a month."

BRAFB Ranked #1 Food Bank in Nation
NBC29, April 8, 2009
"The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is the number one food bank in the nation, according to an organization called Feeding America. It's a big honor, especially in a time where demand is skyrocketing. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank beat more than 200 other food banks for the honor and will receive $10,000 for winning the award. CEO Marty White says the food bank's commitment to children is one of the main reasons BRAFB got the honor."

Stimulus Funding Food Stamp, Health Projects
North Country Gazette, April 7, 2009
"'In the face of an economic downturn, these timely new funds will help more than a million struggling households in New York keep healthy food on the table, at the same time putting new federal dollars into the economy when the infusion of money is greatly needed,' said Governor Paterson."

L.A. County seeks leeway on aid to middle class
Los Angeles Times, April 7, 2009
"Los Angeles County supervisors voted this morning to pursue temporary waivers that would allow unemployed middle-class families to qualify for food stamps, welfare and other benefits."

Governor Paterson Announces Economic Recovery Funds for Health and Human Services
Media Newswire, April 6, 2009
"Low-and moderate-income individuals and families in New York’s Upstate counties will receive an estimated $400 million in additional Food Stamp benefits from ARRA funds."

Pleas for help stresses agencies
FOX Toledo, April 6, 2009
"In the past year, the number of people receiving food stamps in the county has jumped nearly 30 percent, according to the Wood County Department of Job and Family Services. In January alone, food stamp recipients in the county numbered 6,521."

Shenandoah County Food Stamp Cases Up
WHSV3, April 6, 2009
"Ayres also says many people are eligible for SNAP and don't realize it. He says the best thing to do is call your local department of social services and they'll work you through the eligibility process."

Federal stimulus boosts food assistance, unemployment benefits
Beaumont Enterprise, April 6, 2009
"Monique Bendy's Lone Star Card will stretch $38 farther each month at the grocery store as she carefully shops for herself and her two children. The federal stimulus boosted the monthly support for food stamp recipients, bringing the total to $315 for an average family. In Texas, average family generally means a parent and two children, according to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, which delivers the benefit to recipients through the Lone Star Card, a debit card with a magnetic strip on the back."

More families applying for food stamps
The Record, April 5, 2009
"'The demographics of those applying for the federally-funded assistance program have changed too,' Robert Christopher, the county’s commissioner of the Department of Social Services, said. 'A lot of the people who are coming in now are working people,' he said. 'They need a supplement, you know, something to supplement their income.'"

Iowans to get more in food aid
Des Moines Register, April 5, 2009
"A record number of Iowans receiving food stamps will receive an additional $31 a month because of federal stimulus spending. But as officials at the Iowa Department of Human Services examine how stimulus money will help Iowans, it appears other social and health programs will use millions of extra federal dollars just to limit cuts in services."

Demand for benefits grows amid recession
Daily Gazette, April 5, 2009
"Food stamps are the major U.S. antihunger program and help poorer people buy groceries. The average benefit was $112 per person in January. It will increase this month by about $80 a month for a household of four under federal stimulus legislation President Barack Obama signed."

County Social Services inundated
Goldsboro News Argus, April 5, 2006
"As of Wednesday, food stamp recipients will see an automatic 14-percent increase in the benefits they receive, Ms. Jones said. And the department may see some salvation in months to come with help from federal stimulus money. Ms. Jones said that the state is expected to see $4.6 million for social services, and although she isn't sure how much will be allotted to Wayne County, she is expecting at least some money."

Berks agencies see many families in need of help
Reading Eagle, April 5, 2009
"The economic downturn is affecting more than just investors and businesses. It's also affecting families, which are dealing with rising costs of food and other bills even as their incomes shrink. With the economy in shambles, agencies are stretched to the limits trying to keep up with the demand for social services."

$6.8M of food help paid in area in Feb.
BusinessRockford.com, April 5, 2009
"'Those who are employed don't earn sufficiently enough to survive and sustain themselves.' In February, nearly 45,000 Winnebago County residents were receiving food stamp assistance. With Boone and Ogle counties added, 54,336 were receiving the assistance, for a total of $6.8 million paid in benefits."

2 federal stimuli working for public
Hickory Daily Record, April 4, 2009
"Some key elements of the federal economic recovery package - an increase in food stamp benefits for North Carolina and the Making Work Pay tax credit - kicked in Wednesday and are expected to provide an economic boost and help struggling families put food on the table."

Low-income nutrition aid to increase in Pa.
Philly.com, April 4, 2009
"Fronted by photo-friendly open crates of fresh apples, oranges, green beans, and celery in the Reading Terminal Market, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack yesterday announced an increase in nutrition benefits for low-income families in Pennsylvania. As of April 1, state recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive an additional $700 million in monthly benefits."

Good news for Food Stamp Program recipients
AAP.com, April 4, 2009
"Wednesday was an important day in the nation's economic recovery. The country's more than 30 million food stamp recipients, including 473,000 in New Jersey, received an average 15 cent per meal boost in their food stamp benefits. Fifteen cents doesn't sound like a lot, but for many low- and no-income residents it could be the difference between a well-balanced meal and potato chips for dinner."

Stimulus funds boost food stamp benefits
Times Herald, April 4, 2009
"Statewide, about 2.5 million Californians (1 million households) receive food stamps. In the upcoming year, at least 2.8 million more are expected to get those benefits, according to state figures."

Food assistance benefits increase
Nevada Appeal, April 3, 2009
"Nevadans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as Food Stamps, had an increase in their benefits, which started April 1, as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This is the first stimulus money that will actually enter Nevada's economy, and employees of the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services have worked diligently to ensure the higher benefit levels will be available in April, the first month possible under the federal legislation."

DCF: Stimulus money will translate into jobs and spending activity across state
Tallahassee Democrat, April 3, 2009
"'For every $5 of food stamps there's a $9.20 stimulus on the economy,' Sheldon told Crist. 'For this next 12-month period of time, that's an increase of $477 million, which has a stimulus effect on the economy of $878 million. So that's putting people to work - you know, farmers, grocers, the whole process.'"

Food-stamp program hits another record
Tulsa World, April 3, 2009
"The number of people using food stamps has steadily increased each month for a year. Previously, the state high for food-stamp recipients had been in December 2005, when 443,045 people received aid. On Wednesday, food-stamp recipients saw a 13.6 percent increase in their subsidy, which is put directly on the cards they use to pay for goods."

Those getting food aid get more
Dispatch Politics, April 3, 2009
"'This federal money will help Ohioans put food on their tables and also boost our economy during this deep recession,' said Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, executive director of the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Food banks, which provides food to pantries and soup kitchens statewide. About 12 percent of Ohioans now rely on food stamps."

Sacramento County serves up more food stamp aid with stimulus funds
The Sacramento Bee, April 3, 2009
"But for Austin, her fiancé and her daughter, who live in an apartment in Carmichael, the number that counts is $63, which is how much extra food stamp money Austin will see each month on her state-funded Electronic Benefit Transfer debit card. 'That's the extra milks you don't have the last week of the month,' said Austin. 'Food keeps going up. Everything gets smaller' - package sizes, she means - 'but the prices are still up there. So this helps. It helps.'"

Social Workers: More Arizonans on Food Stamps is Good News
Public News Service, April 3, 2009
"Food stamps provide one of the most-elemental needs for people. It affects every area of our lives; education, job performance, and health. It even affects the relationships you may have with your family. Thank goodness we have that safety net to fall back on."

Crist sees progress in turning stimulus into jobs
News-press.com, April 2, 2009
"Winstead was just back from Washington, where he briefed the Florida delegation on the stimulus plan. He said Florida's application for a waiver, to allow it to use stimulus money for education despite reductions in state spending over the past few years, appears to be headed for approval."

Food stamp allotments to increase
Northern Virginia Daily, April 2, 2009
"The purpose of the extra money is to help stimulate the economy through increased spending, Lamma said. Plus, it'll help with rising food costs. Another change under the stimulus plan is that the work requirement -- where a SNAP recipient must work at least 20 hours a week -- is no longer in effect through September 2010, Lamma said."

Food stamp benefits increase, program renamed SNAP
Altavista Journal, April 2, 2009
"'This global economic recession is very personal for many Virginia families,'" Kaine said. 'Virginia is in better shape than most of the country, but we are not immune. With the help of the Recovery Act funds, we will expand SNAP to better meet the nutritional needs of more Virginia families.'"

Stimulating Food Stamps
New York Post, April 2, 2009
"Mayor Bloomberg said yesterday that food-stamp households will receive the increase by mid-April. The funding comes from the stimulus package signed recently by President Obama. The city says it will bring an extra $25 million a month to food-stamp households in New York."

Stimulus Funds Increase Food Stamp Benefits
OPB News, April 2, 2009
"Families don't hold onto those dollars. They get them, they go to the grocery store and they spend them. People then have freed up some of their cash money to purchase other essentials and, by the way, there's sales tax on those. So everyone benefits by this kind of an economic stimulus."

Our View: More help for those affected by the economy
Mt. Vernon Register-News, April 2, 2009
"There was good news this week for Illinois residents who receive food stamps. Funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act have been earmarked for this state in order to replenish food stamp supplies for more than 600,000 families."

Food stamp list swells to record 32.2 million
Reuters, April 2, 2009
"Food stamps are the major U.S. anti-hunger program and help poor people buy groceries. The average benefit was $112.82 per person in January. The January figure marks the third time in five months that enrollment set a record."

One in 10 Americans, including 2.2 million New Yorkers, received SNAP/food stamps in January
New York Daily News, April 2, 2009
"'A weakened economy means that many more individuals are turning to SNAP/Food Stamps,' the Food Research and Action Center, an anti-hunger group, told Reuters."

Apartment Building Sales, Prices Down, Food Stamp Use Up
Allheadlinenews.com, April 2, 2009
"Apartment buildings in Manhattan are selling for about 20 percent less than a year ago, if they sell at all, but food stamp use is up in New York and elsewhere."

Stimulating news
Philadelphia Daily News, April 2, 2009
"Even if you don't need food stamps, we all will benefit from an improved economy. Each dollar issued in stamps results in $1.74 added to the economy, as money is freed up to pay for clothes or shoes or other purchases. These sales ripple through the economy, a 'trickle up' effect more effective than the old "trickle down" ever was."

Food Stamp Benefit Boost Comes as More Ohioans Look for Help
Public News Service, April 2, 2009
"Many Ohioans who are struggling to make choices between food and medicine, food and rent, food or utilities won't have to make those difficult choices."

California food stamp benefits go up 13.6%
Los Angeles Times, April 2, 2009
"John Wagner, the state social services director, said in a statement that the increase 'will dramatically help families, while also boosting California's economy in ways that benefit grocers, food manufacturers and growers.'"

California food stamp benefit rises 13.6 percent
Sacramento Bureau, April 1, 2009
"There are 2.5 million Californians, representing one million households, receiving $321.6 million in food stamps each month. That figure is expected to rise to 2.8 million recipients next year."

Food stamp program gets infusion of stimulus funds
The Press Democrat, April 1, 2009
"Marla Stuart, director of planning and research for county human services, said food stamp recipients will now spend $2.77 million a month at local grocery stores and markets, up from $2.44 million a month."

Increased food stamp benefits go into effect today
Stamfordplus, April 1, 2009
"Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that federal stimulus funding will help more than 230,000 Connecticut residents who qualify for Food Stamp aid by boosting the monthly benefits that help them stretch their household budgets."

SNAP benefits grow by 13.6 percent
The Garden Island, April 1, 2009
"Recipients are predictably elated over the increase. A Lihu'e kupuna, who requested anonymity, said she would use the extra money to purchase healthier, more balanced meals. The 13.6 percent increase will also allow recipients to make other purchases for items like clothing or needed medical care. Pressure on food pantries all over the island may also feel some relief."

Food Stamp benefits increase under stimulus program
Fdlreporter.com, April 1, 2009
"U.S. Senator Russ Feingold announced today that Wisconsin will receive more than $110.6 million in FoodShare benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps) from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), also known as the economic stimulus bill."

Food assistance benefits increase
Vermont Public Radio, April 1, 2009
"Angela Smith-Dieng is with the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger. She says the extra assistance is important to families. 'We know that the cost of food has really risen in the past year and often people's monthly benefit runs out before the end of the month. And so that last week or so, families are really scrambling to find food for the table and they often end up eating less nutritious food at the end of the month.'"

Food Stamp Benefit to Increase 13.6% Today for 2.5 Million Californians
California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Ybanet.com, April 1, 2009
"According to US Department of Agriculture (USDA) research, every $1 of additional federal food stamp benefits results in a $1.84 in local economic activity. More than 19,000 retailers and 62 Farmers' Markets serving more than 183 locations statewide currently accept food stamp benefits in California."

Stimulus Money To Boost Food Stamps In Calif.
13CW, April 1, 2009
"The federal aid will also provide millions for California's anti-hunger programs."

NYC gets more food stamps from stimulus
The Associated Press, April 1, 2009
"Poor New Yorkers will get a 13 percent increase in their monthly food stamp grants from funding in the economic stimulus package."

Rell increases Food Stamp aid
The Hour, April 1, 2009
"Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced Wednesday that federal stimulus funding will help more than 230,000 Connecticut residents who qualify for Food Stamp aid by boosting the monthly benefits that help them stretch their household budgets."

Food stamp benefits increase about $20 per person
The Associated Press, April 1, 2009
"The more than 1.8 million Floridians on food stamps are getting an increase in their monthly benefits, thanks to the federal economic stimulus package."

State food-stamp program getting a boost from federal stimulus plan
Winston-Salem Journal, March 31, 2009
"'Food stamps are an ideal economic-stimulus tool because they are always spent locally and have a widespread ripple effect,' said Louisa Warren, a policy advocate for the N.C. Justice Center."

Food help portions bigger today
Marion Starr, March 31, 2009
"'The gains from the added food stamp benefits will ripple through the entire economy,'" stated the release. 'When a family uses its food stamp benefits to shop at a local grocery, this helps the grocer pay his employees and purchase more from his suppliers.'"

Food Stamp Benefits to Increase Wednesday
FOX News44, March 30, 2009
"The benefits increase is also a good stimulus for Vermont as our farmers, grocery stores, and communities benefit from the increased economic activity, especially during these tough economic times."

Build the Strong Bones of a City Food System
Citylimits.org, March 30, 2009
"Increasing SNAP food payments is a time-tested strategy for priming the economy during downturns because recipients spend the dollars immediately. Unlike stimulus projects that involve infrastructure, no blueprints need to be drawn up or construction permits obtained before money flows into the economy."

SNAP Food Benefits to Increase
Myvictoriaonline.com, March 30, 2009
"She says food prices are continually rising...but her pay...it's staying the same and she believes the additional aid given to her by the government will help to make up the difference."

SNAP benefits to increase Wednesday
www.missoulian.com, March 30, 2009
"Montana is expected to receive a total of $57 million in SNAP benefits over the next four years. The Montana Legislature is currently working how best to allocate other pieces of the stimulus money."

Stimulus to boost state food stamp benefits
Charleston Daily Mail, March 29, 2009
"About $304 million in federal money was spent on food stamps for West Virginians last year. That figure is expected to rise to $345 million this year."

In tough economic times, some give back
Providence Journal, March 29, 2009
"And in Scituate, the Food Stamp Outreach Project joined U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin and state Rep. Michael Marcello to explain the new Food Stamp benefits, which take effect April 1."

Rochester area's use of federal stimulus money is focus of forum at UR
Democratandchronicle.com, March 27, 2009
"The Town Hall Forum, in the Class of '62 Auditorium, was called by Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith, D-Queens, in cooperation with Rochester-area Democrats, such as Rep. Louise Slaughter of Fairport, Mayor Robert Duffy, Rep. Eric Massa of Corning and Rep. Dan Maffei of DeWitt, and other officials to tell the community how it can benefit from the stimulus package."

Food stamp changes: A different kind of stimulus
Star Tribune, March 27, 2009
"A bailout it's not. But the first major federal stimulus money targeting low-income folks is slated to arrive in Minnesota starting Wednesday, when an unprecedented $175 million will be pumped into the state food stamp program."

Washington Food Benefits Will Increase
KNDO KND, March 26, 2009
"Washington families getting food benefits from the government will soon see an increase of about 13.6 percent. That means an added $80 a month."

More food aid to be given to needy families
WAFF48 News, March 25, 2009
"'Due to the federal stimulus package, the food stamp benefit will be increasing' said Tyrone Newton with the Department of Human Resources. The increase will be the largest amount in more than two decades."

DCF looks to refine food stamp system
News-press.com, March 24, 2009
"Days before food-stamp amounts are set to rise, the head of the state's Department of Children and Families brought together a statewide group Monday to brainstorm how to improve the program that doles out stamps, Medicaid and welfare."

Committee to help with demand for state aid
Orlando Sentinel, March 24, 2009
"The Florida Department of Children and Families is reaching out to leaders of food banks, homeless shelters and other community-service agencies for help with the massive increase in applications for food stamps, Medicaid and emergency cash assistance."

More Food Stamp Funding Coming to RI
ABC 6, March 23, 2009
"Increasing food stamp benefits will help Rhode Islanders pay their grocery bills and maintain a healthy diet - and will keep business steady for our local grocers, farmers, and fishermen - during tough economic times."

Food bank uses food stamps to boost economy
Times-Standard (Eureka, CA) ,March 22, 2009
"Humboldt County's food bank, Food for People, is trying to save the local economy, one food stamp at a time. If that sounds crazy, consider a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service that found that every dollar spent in food stamps generates $1.84 in economic activity."

More Central New Yorkers listen as Food Bank outreach coordinator gets word out about food stamps
Central New York Times, March 22, 2009
"In the four Syracuse-area counties, the number of families on food stamps grew by 4,000 (about 14 percent) between June and February. Almost 2 million people in New York received food stamps last month, the federal government estimates."

Food stamp increase on the way
The Jackson Citizen Patriot, March 21, 2009
"About 21,000 Jackson County residents will see a boost in their food stamp allotment next month."

Herdt: Bulk of federal stimulus to pay for human services
Ventura County Star, March 19, 2009
"For all the attention devoted to the highways, bridges and even high-speed trains that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will finance, a far bigger share of the money will pay for less visible and perhaps less sexy things. It will spend billions on human services, thus putting money in the pockets of nurses, teachers, school-bus drivers and others whose jobs would otherwise be imperiled by state cutbacks in spending on education, healthcare and social services."

Recovery funds to increase food stamp payments
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, March 17, 2009
"We need to make sure that our children aren't going hungry and that people in Wisconsin can put food on their table," Gov. Jim Doyle said."

Financial Help Available Online In Pa.
ThePittsburghChannel.com, March 17, 2009
"Don't be ashamed to ask for help," Rendell said. "This is a time when you and your families come first. You didn't do anything wrong, so sign up for food stamps."

Nebraskans to see boost in food stamp benefits
FOX42 News, March 16, 2009
"Todd Landry with the department's Division of Children and Family Services says the extra benefits couldn't have come at a better time to help Nebraskans in need."

Stimulus to boost state food stamp benefits
Charleston Daily Mail, March 29, 2009
"About $304 million in federal money was spent on food stamps for West Virginians last year. That figure is expected to rise to $345 million this year."

Food stamp changes: A different kind of stimulus
Star Tribune, March 27, 2009
"A bailout it's not. But the first major federal stimulus money targeting low-income folks is slated to arrive in Minnesota starting Wednesday, when an unprecedented $175 million will be pumped into the state food stamp program."

More food aid to be given to needy families
WAFF48 News, March 25, 2009
"'Due to the federal stimulus package, the food stamp benefit will be increasing' said Tyrone Newton with the Department of Human Resources. The increase will be the largest amount in more than two decades."

More Food Stamp Funding Coming to RI
ABC6, March 23, 2009
"Increasing food stamp benefits will help Rhode Islanders pay their grocery bills and maintain a healthy diet - and will keep business steady for our local grocers, farmers, and fishermen - during tough economic times."

Food bank uses food stamps to boost economy
Times-Standard (Eureka, CA), March 22, 2009
"Humboldt County's food bank, Food for People, is trying to save the local economy, one food stamp at a time. If that sounds crazy, consider a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service that found that every dollar spent in food stamps generates $1.84 in economic activity."

More Central New Yorkers listen as Food Bank outreach coordinator gets word out about food stamps
Central New York Times, March 22, 2009
"In the four Syracuse-area counties, the number of families on food stamps grew by 4,000 (about 14 percent) between June and February. Almost 2 million people in New York received food stamps last month, the federal government estimates."

Food stamp increase on the way
The Jackson Citizen Patriot, March 21, 2009
"About 21,000 Jackson County residents will see a boost in their food stamp allotment next month."

Faces of the SNAP recovery package

Hawaii:
"Recipients are predictably elated over the increase. A Lihu'e kupuna, who requested anonymity, said she would use the extra money to purchase healthier, more balanced meals. The 13.6 percent increase will also allow recipients to make other purchases for items like clothing or needed medical care. Pressure on food pantries all over the island may also feel some relief."
SNAP benefits grow by 13.6 percent,” The Garden Island, 4/1/09,

Minnesota:
"'If we get more food stamps, I'd like to buy more [fresh] vegetables, fruits and milk for the children,' said Ia Thao, who will have $84 a month more to spend on food. The monthly benefit for her family -- her husband and three children -- is now $606. Thao, who is also a store cashier, said it's not uncommon for families to run out of food stamps by the end of the month -- and then sheepishly return food from the checkout line to the grocery store shelves. She thinks the increase will help a lot of people."
“Food stamp changes: A different kind of stimulus,” Star Tribune, 3/27/09

Alabama:
"Anna Knox used to work as a dental hygienist. But she couldn't find work until she came to Foodland in Moulton. 'My husband just got laid off and we just started on these stamps in March, so we were really glad, because we were really struggling,' Knox said. Knox is able to fill up her cart and meet the needs of her family. 'Knowing that we were able to eat, and we have a handicapped daughter at home and a child on the way,’ she said. 'It's just a big relief.'"
“More food aid to be given to needy families,” WAFF48 News, 3/25/09

California:
"Jasmine McCracken said she signed up for the program in 2006, having just come off maternity leave. She said she wanted to take a year off to spend with her newborn son, Darien, which food stamps helped her do. 'It's definitely a life-saver,' she said. 'It just helps a lot. I know there's people that are out there in the county that have a bad stigma about it, but if you're in real need, it definitely really helps. I work full time and I still need assistance. It's not like I'm living off the government, but times are tough right now and every little bit helps.'"
“Food bank uses food stamps to boost economy,” Eureka Times-Standard 3/22/09

Wisconsin:
"It doesn't go very far, but for JaQuetta Gray the $31 a month she receives in food stamp benefits helps her feed her three children. With an increase in benefits through the federal economic recovery act, Gray, who works full time, is expected to receive $80 more a month. 'That would help now. Any little bit helps,' said Gray, of Milwaukee."
“Recovery funds to increase food stamp payments,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/17/09