Fla. Leads Nation In Rise In Food Stamp Requests

By The Tampa Tribune
Published: February 20, 2009

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TALLAHASSEE (AP) - As the economy tanks, the number of families relying on food stamps for their next meal is rising nationally. Florida has seen the biggest jump, with a 29 percent increase.

More than 408,835 new recipients were added to Florida's list in the past year, prompting state leaders to look for help in funding the increase.

Legislators shifted some money to the program during a special session to help pay for increased staffing needs. Without it, officials say food stamp recipients would have had extraordinary wait times.

The Department of Children & Families says it needs 288 more employees to meet the demand at a cost of about $6.5 million.