Number Of State Food Stamp Recipients Nears Record

The Associated Press

TULSA, OK -- The number of Oklahomans receiving food stamps is nearing record levels, and human services officials expect the trend to continue.

In January, the Department of Human Services reports the state missed the record by 746 people.

The highest number of people receiving food stamps in one month came in December 2005 with 443,045 people. Last month, 442,299 Oklahomans were given food stamps.

Food stamp benefits amount to an average of about $3 a day.

The program is an eligibility program based on 130 percent of the federal poverty level. That means a family of three may not have a monthly income exceeding $1,900.