Looking For Help

For the first time in her life, Ann Porter is looking for help.

"It is a blow to your self esteem to have to ask when you're used to taking care of yourself," said Porter as she walked into the Department of Human Resource's food stamp office in downtown Mobile.

Porter, who worked 34 years as a nurse, lost her job last January. Today she's applying for food stamps.

"I have to try to do what I can do until I can get a job," she said.

Porter is not alone. She's one of 77,000 people living in Mobile County who are part of the federally run program. In May 2009 $10.3 million in food stamp benefits were distributed to Mobile County residents.

"People say you know I never thought I'd have to do this. I never thought I'd have to come in an ask for assistance," says Donna Martin, director of the food stamp program. "It's been increasing every month since October."

Martin insists there is help for people who need it, but while demand grows by the day, she urges people to be patient as they process applications.

The Mobile County food stamp office has enrolled nearly 7,000 new clients since October 2008.