WASHINGTON (AP) - More people are signing up for food stamps - a sure indication of tough times but also a dose of medicine for helping revive the economy.
Enrollment has increased over the past two years from nearly 17 million in 2000 to 19 million in 2002, reversing a trend that began in 1994, according to the latest Agriculture Department figures.
With an increase in food stamp users, "grocery stores sell more food and farmers produce more food," Agriculture Undersecretary Eric Bost said. "That pumps more money, of course, into the economy."
In reality, food stamps no longer exist although the program still bears that name. Eligible recipients now get a plastic, ATM-like card to pay for their groceries, just like people using credit and bank debit cards.
The cards are more convenient for grocers and less embarrassing for some poor people who already feel stigmatized in relying on the government to pick up part of their food bills. The cards also are one of the ways the government is trying to increase enrollment after reports said participation in the program was low because many people were not aware they were eligible.
Jean Daniel, an Agriculture Department spokeswoman, attributes the increased enrollment to both the economic downturn and to the agency's efforts to enroll more people.
I mean, sure there's a bit of truth to it, but what a spin!