More People On Food Stamps
YAKIMA - Nearly one of every four people in Yakima County is on food stamps. That's more than every other county in Washington AND more than twice the state average. But KIMA found that may not mean more families are in need.
KIMA discovered, more people are asking for help when it comes to feeding their families. In fact, over the last decade, the numbers have doubled. And it's not getting any better.
" We've had an increase of 8,111 families come onto our rolls," said Teresa Herrera with DSHS.
That's over the last year. But we found out, it's not just about more families facing unemployment. DSHS is casting a wider net on letting people know if you may be eligible for food stamps. You can now get applications and help through the new 211 service and Farmer Workers.
The salvation Army just recently quit participating in that program, they said it just took too long for the state to get them their money. But they still offer help to those who need it, when it comes to filling out those application.
" We're there for them. Whatever we can do we do," said Josie Riojas, a caseworker at the Salvation Army Foodbank.
The state also raised the income cap back in 2008. Which means folks who didn't qualify before, do now.
Herrera said, "What we're seeing are more families coming in that are the working poor or done make enough to make ends meet and those roles are increasing."
" We used to see them at the end of the month, but now it's throughout the whole month," said Riojas.
DSHS said that's because more of those *working families are coming in. And they just need a little help making ends meet, rather than having the state pay their entire grocery bill.
On average, Washington families receive a monthly allotment of about $249. But it can be as little as just $14 a month.
KIMA discovered, more people are asking for help when it comes to feeding their families. In fact, over the last decade, the numbers have doubled. And it's not getting any better.
" We've had an increase of 8,111 families come onto our rolls," said Teresa Herrera with DSHS.
That's over the last year. But we found out, it's not just about more families facing unemployment. DSHS is casting a wider net on letting people know if you may be eligible for food stamps. You can now get applications and help through the new 211 service and Farmer Workers.
The salvation Army just recently quit participating in that program, they said it just took too long for the state to get them their money. But they still offer help to those who need it, when it comes to filling out those application.
" We're there for them. Whatever we can do we do," said Josie Riojas, a caseworker at the Salvation Army Foodbank.
The state also raised the income cap back in 2008. Which means folks who didn't qualify before, do now.
Herrera said, "What we're seeing are more families coming in that are the working poor or done make enough to make ends meet and those roles are increasing."
" We used to see them at the end of the month, but now it's throughout the whole month," said Riojas.
DSHS said that's because more of those *working families are coming in. And they just need a little help making ends meet, rather than having the state pay their entire grocery bill.
On average, Washington families receive a monthly allotment of about $249. But it can be as little as just $14 a month.
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