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More Americans depend on food stamps
[Iran Press TV] The use of food stamps has become more common among American families as Hawaii and other US states offer the coupons to more members of the working class.Data from the US Department of Agriculture shows that 32 US states have adopted rules, which pave the way for food stamp qualification since 2007. Hawaii has gone farther than most, allowing a family to earn up to USD 59,328 per year and still get food stamps. For example, a Hawaii citizen, Lillie Gonzales does whatever it takes to provide for her three sons who live under the same roof with her. She grows her own vegetables at home on Kauai, runs her own small business and like a record 42 million other Americans, she relies on food stamps. Gonzales and her husband consistently qualify for food stamps now that Hawaii and other states are quietly expanding eligibility and offering the benefit to more working and moderate income families. Prior to an October 1 increase, the income eligibility limit for a Hawaiian family of five was USD 38,568 a year, but now it has increased to USD 59,328. "If I didn't have food stamps, I would be buying white rice and Spam every day," said Gonzales,
Eligibility for food stamps varies from state to state, with the 11 most generous states allowing families to apply if their gross income is less than double the federal poverty line of USD 22,050 for a family of four on US mainland. The threshold is higher in Alaska and Hawaii. Posted by: Fred 2010-10-23 |
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| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=308146 |