Food-Stamp List Hits New Record

With over 34 million enrolled, the United States has set yet another food-stamp membership record for the month of May—a sign of one of the worst recessions since the Great Depression. Enrollment increased by 2 percent to equal out to one in nine Americans receiving food stamps, Reuters reports. Numbers have steadily increased every month for the past six months, with Florida reporting the highest increase in participation from April to May at 4.2 percent. On average, members received $133.65 in food stamps thanks to a temporary increase of $80 per family of four each month, provided earlier this year by the economic stimulus package. Food-stamp enrollment surges during times of economic stress—and with the highest unemployment rate in 26 years, it’s no wonder more families are getting in line for assistance.