New breed of American emerges in need of food

[jeffrey]

Philomena Gist understands why it hurts so much to be on food stamps. After all, she's got a master's degree in psychology.
"There's pride in being able to take care of yourself," says the Columbus, Ohio, resident, laid off last year from a mortgage company and living on workers' compensation benefits while recovering from surgery. "I'm not supposed to be in this condition."

Neither are many of the 27.5 million Americans relying on government aid to keep food on their tables amid unemployment and rising prices. Average enrollment in the food stamps program has surpassed the record set in 1994, though the percentage of Americans on food stamps is still lower than records set in 1993-95. The numbers continue to climb.

New breed of American emerges in need of food - USATODAY.com

[rob62521]

We have seen this increase in our own city. Our school went from 89% poverty to 94% this past year. The local food kitchen that serves lunches says 29% of those who come to eat say that meal is the only one they have all day.