HOUMA — The number of locals applying for food stamps has swelled over the past two years, a phenomenon that officials link to the national economic recession and increased outreach efforts.
The number of residents getting food stamps is up 13 percent in Terrebonne and 11 percent in Lafourche since 2007, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report.
“We’ve seen a significant increase over the last six months that could be related to the recession,” said Sammy Guillory, deputy assistant secretary for the state Office of Family Services. Officials say they’ve also streamlined the program to reach more eligible residents.
Louisiana is among the top 12 states when it comes to enrolling eligible households in the food-stamp program, which provides groceries to those who meet income requirements.
Louisiana enrolled 74 percent of eligible households in the food-stamp program, making it among 18 states that enrolled more than 70 percent of eligible households.
In October, 323,657 Louisiana households, or 772,873 people, received benefits from the federal food-stamp program, an all-time high, Guillory said. About $104 million in assistance was paid out, an average of $322 per household.
In Terrebonne, that comes out to about 6,991 households and 17,662 people who got $2.3 million to buy food. In Lafourche, 5,618 households, or 13,411 people, got about $1.7 million.
By comparison, the number of local households receiving aid in October 2008 totaled 5,840 in Terrebonne and 4,747 in Lafourche.
The food-stamp program enrolls residents whose income falls significantly below the federal poverty line. Once enrolled, participants are given a card, akin to a credit card, that can be used at the grocery store to buy milk, meat, cheese and bread. The money can’t be used to buy alcohol, tobacco or household items like paper towels.
A single person with a total monthly income of $1,127 or less is eligible for up to $200 a month. A family of four with an income of $2,297 or less is eligible for up to $668.
People have also been turning to the food banks for help. Germaine Jackson, director of Houma-based Catholic Charities, said requests for help from Houma, Thibodaux and Raceland food banks are up 10 percent.
“The holidays tend to increase our numbers,” she said.
Federal law used to require food-stamp applicants to apply for aid in person, Guillory said, a requirement that rural residents couldn’t always meet because they lacked transportation or couldn’t afford to take time off from work.
Now, however, applicants can complete the required interview via telephone.
This is “one of our first steps toward modernization and changing the way people enroll in our services,” said Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Kristy Nichols. Social services is working on an online application process and is connecting with community organizations that can help applicants request aid, Nichols said.
