US Families on Food Stamps......

Hawaii and other states are quietly expanding eligibility and offering the benefit to more working, moderate income families.  A study found that 32 states have adopted rules making it easier to qualify for food stamps since 2007. In all, 38 states have loosened eligibility standards.  Hawaii has gone farther than most, allowing a family to earn up to $59,328 and still get food stamps.  I need to live there!  Eligibility for food stamps varies from state to state, with the 11 most generous states allowing families to apply if their gross income is less than double the federal poverty line of $22,050 for a family of four on the U.S. mainland. The threshold is higher in Alaska and Hawaii.  With more than 1 in 8 Americans now on food stamps, participation in the program has jumped about 70 percent from 26 million in May 2007, while the nation's unemployment rate rose from 4.3 percent to 9.2 percent through September of this year.  I think it's about time for me to try and apply since I'm on a fixed income.