Food stamps are in the news right now, because the number of people on food stamps is growing:

Experts predict record number of food stamps as economy slumps

From the article:

The Charleston Daily Mail says one in six West Virginia residents receives federal assistance with their food purchases. The average benefit for each person is $85 a month, according to the paper.

USA 2008: The Great Depression

From the article:

Michigan has been in its own mini-recession for years as its collapsing industrial base, particularly in the car industry, has cast more and more out of work. Now, one in eight residents of the state is on food stamps, double the level in 2000. “We have seen a dramatic increase in recent years, but we have also seen it climbing more in recent months,” Maureen Sorbet, a spokeswoman for Michigan’s programme, said. “It’s been increasing steadily. Without the programme, some families and kids would be going without.”

The food stamp program in Florida has become completely electronic to make things easier:

Food stamps are provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture but are distributed at the state level. You can learn more about the program here:

Food Stamp Program

You can find out whether or not you might be eligible here:

Food Stamps Pre-Screening Eligibility Tool