More rely on food stamps

Driven by a mix of layoffs and rising food and fuel prices, the number of Americans receiving food stamps is projected to reach 28 million in the coming year, the highest level since the program began in the 1960s.

The number of recipients, who must have near-poverty incomes to qualify for benefits averaging $100 a month per family member, has fluctuated over the years. But recent rises in many states appear to be resulting mainly from the economic slowdown, officials and experts say, and inflation in prices of basic goods.

Citing expected growth in unemployment, the Congressional Budget Office this month projected a continued increase in the monthly number of recipients in the next fiscal year, starting Oct. 1 — to 28 million, up from 27.8 million in 2008, and 26.5 million in 2007. The percentage of Americans receiving food stamps was higher after a recession in the 1990s, but actual numbers are expected to be higher this year.

Stacy Dean, director of food-stamp policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, noted that 14 states saw their rolls reach record numbers by last December.

One is Michigan, where one in eight residents now receives food stamps. Loss of industrial jobs has pushed recipient levels to new highs in Ohio and Illinois.

From December 2006 to December 2007, more than 40 states saw recipient numbers rise.