Food stamps, the main U.S. antihunger program which helps the needy buy food, set a record in September as more than 31.5 million Americans used the program — up 17 percent from a year ago, according to government data.
The number of people using food stamps in September surpassed the previous peak of 29.85 million seen in November 2005 when victims of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma received emergency benefits, said Jean Daniel of the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service.
Well, I haven’t checked the latest updated figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, but I think it’s safe to say that this spike in the use of food stamps meant that in the month of September OVER 10% of the national population took advantage of the food stamp program. Think about that for a moment. OVER ONE TENTH of the population. That’s crossing a significant threshold, and a very sad and disturbing one. The needs out there are overwhelming.
And I think it’s safe to assume that an even greater number of Americans were in poverty and need but too proud to resort to seeking government aid, so who knows just how high the level of poverty really goes in our country these days?
A crisis worse than that inflicted by Hurrican Katrina? Yes, I would certainly think so, for this one is nationwide.
David Handy+