In a report that startled the nation Sunday morning, the New York Times revealed that food stamp usage has reached record levels.
In the 1990s, conservative Republicans tried to abolish food stamps. But under President Bush, their use was encouraged in a “re-branding” effort to circumvent the stigma that has long accompanied them. And now, 20,000 new food stamp users sign up every day.
Some of the data compiled by the Times is particularly jarring:
- In at least 239 counties across the country, 1/4 of the population relies upon food stamps.
- In more than 750 counties, the program helps feed one in three blacks.
- In more than 800 counties, the program helps feed one in three children.
- Still, only 2/3 of those eligible for food stamps are taking advantage of the service.
- In the six-county area outside Cincinnati, food stamp use has risen alongside unemployment, with the number of food stamp enrollees up 50%. In the northwest part of the state, use is up 60, 77 and 84 percent in Erie, Wood and Van Wert counties, respectively.
- In Franklin County, 41% of blacks are on food stamps and 29% of children, with 15% of all residents taking advantage of the program. That number is up 36% since 2007.
- Across the U.S., 28% of all blacks receive aid; 15% of all Latinos; 8% of whites. In sum, 12% of all Americans are on food stamps.
