Number Of Oklahoma Food Stamp Recipients Peaks

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The head of Oklahoma's Department of Human Services says the number of state residents receiving food stamps reached an all-time high last month.

Howard Hendrick cited the weakening state economy and resulting job cuts in a meeting Monday with state lawmakers.

Hendrick says many of those seeking help are first-time food stamp recipients, while others are returning to food stamps after having lost a job.

DHS records show 444,184 Oklahomans received food stamps in February. That's nearly 2,000 more than the 442,299 on food stamps in January.

Hendrick said it's about a 6.4 percent increase compared with February 2008, when 417,624 received food stamps.