One in five in region enrolled in food stamp program

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By Carolyn Swallows

Story Published: Sep 27, 2011 at 10:28 AM CDT

Story Updated: Sep 27, 2011 at 10:30 AM CDT

Nearly 1.3 million Tennesseans are relying on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (commonly known as food stamps), closely following a national trend attributed to continuing unemployment. 

That figure means that one in five persons in Tennessee is participating in the program, representing a nearly 40% increase since 2008 levels.   Nationally,

Some changes in the program have made it easier for regional users.   Those changes include a debit card approach that retailers and citizens are responding to, including "Dollar" stores and gas stations.

Regionallly, such assistance is vital, according to users.   Said Maria, who has been looking for work since May of 2010, "It helps... a lot.   We really couldn't have gotten by without this help right now." 

Area participation for various counties includes:

Pickett:  1,067 persons

Putnam:  14,385 persons

White:  6,084 persons

Overton: 4,965 persons

Jackson: 2,897 persons

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