Nearly One-Third of Alabamians Receive Food Stamps

Nearly one-third of Alabama's residents received food stamps in May.

By: Lauren Vargas | WKRG
Published: August 07, 2011

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The state Department of Human Resources reports there were a record 1.43 million Alabamians in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program. The number was higher than normal because 43 of Alabama's 67 counties were receiving disaster assistance due to the deadly tornadoes in April.

While the tornadoes had a big effect, the number of Alabamians on food stamps has been growing in recent years. Department spokesman Barry Spear told the Montgomery Advertiser that the number of Alabamians in the program grew from more than 546,000 in fiscal year 2006 to 805,000 in fiscal year 2010.

Spear said rising unemployment is a factor, along with efforts to make more people aware that they can qualify for the assistance.
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