This is a follow up diary to one I wrote back in August about the increased use of food stamps by the public.
The amount of individuals using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program continues to grow. In October of 2008 we were at 31,049,785 persons. As of October 2010, we now have 43,200,878 persons on this program, which I have always believed as a leading indicator of how the public is fairing, compared to employment numbers, which for many reasons aren't accurate.
The data trails several months behind, and I am expecting 2010 fourth quarter results in soon. I wish it was more timely.
If you remember back in August 2009, some of the funding from SNAP was taken away to fund something else, because it was believed at the time that SNAP was 'running a surplus'.
With the surging costs of food and food riots breaking out all over the world, I wonder how much of that 'surplus' will exist by midyear.
The data for this chart was compiled from the governments key data on SNAP. The data can be found here: SNAP Key Data
So I have 2 questions to pose. How would you rate your own 'food security'? Are you getting by on your own? Has this program worked well for you?
The second question is do you think food riots are coming to America? Do you think we will stand up as a nation to help those in need as inflation cuts into our purchasing power?