Food stamp recipients increase in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A record number of Oklahomans are receiving food stamps.<br/><br/>Department of Human Services officials say the monthly average of Oklahomans in the food stamp program is 436,585.

Wednesday, November 16th 2005, 9:34 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A record number of Oklahomans are receiving food stamps.

Department of Human Services officials say the monthly average of Oklahomans in the food stamp program is 436,585. That's an increase of more than 15,000 per month from last year.

DHS program manager Kathie Wright says one reason for the increase is because of the state's effort to tell more people about the food stamp program. Officials also say low paying jobs are another reason for the increase.

One in eight Oklahomans are receiving food stamps, up from one in ten in 2002.

A person making $1,037 a month can receive food stamps. For a family of five the monthly income limit is $2,450.