Food Stamp Use Up 32 Percent In Idaho

TWIN FALLS, ID — Idaho Department of Health and Welfare officials say the number of people using food stamps has risen 32 percent statewide compared to a year ago.

Tom Shanahan, spokesman for the Health and Welfare Department, says the number of recipients has increased every month since October 2007 — even though food stamp use typically declines during the spring and summer months.

In January, nearly 129,000 Idaho residents received food stamps, compared to more than 97,000 a year ago.