DHS destroys last of paper food stamps

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahoma has reached the end of an era in food stamps.<br/><br/>The Department of Human Services destroyed more than $178,000 in paper food stamps Wednesday.<br/><br/>Oklahomans now

Thursday, May 27th 2004, 5:41 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahoma has reached the end of an era in food stamps.

The Department of Human Services destroyed more than $178,000 in paper food stamps Wednesday.

Oklahomans now use electronic cards at the checkout, where amounts are deducted from their accounts.

The US Department of Agriculture started using an Electronic Benefits Transfer system in 1998. The system is now nationwide.

More than 409,300 Oklahomans used food stamps last month. That's a record high and an increase of about 8% from April 2003.

The federal government pays for 100% of food stamps. Oklahoma shares administrative costs.