The U.S. recession will drive the cost of the food stamp program, which helps poor people buy food, to $50 billion this year, up 27 percent from 2008, congressional forecasters said on Wednesday.
Spending on food stamps rises during economic slowdowns because more people apply for help. The Congressional Budget Office projected higher unemployment rates for the next few years, although economic recovery would begin in 2010.
Some 31 million Americans receive food stamps at latest count, down slightly from the record 31.6 million in September 2008. Average benefit was $119 a month per person and $266 per household.(Reuters)
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