1 in 10 Floridians On Food Stamps

One in ten Floridians are on food stamps. Florida has seen a 30 percent increase in food stamp recipients in the past year. The economy has devastated rural communities.

The number of Lee County households receiving food stamps rose 72 percent to 25,450 in 2008, according to the state Department of Children & Families.

Other areas with big increases include Manatee County, up 60 percent to 12,652 households, and Sarasota County, which rose 54 percent to 12,399 households.

1.8 million Floridians are receiving food stamps. The state leads the nation in food stamp recipients. The Department of Children & Familes handles food stamp applications. The DCF's budget has been cut by $5 million.

In related news: Florida Department of Law Enforcement supervisor Susan Curry Wolfe was arrested for stealing $24,000 food stamps and other items. I wonder how much of this theft occurred during the holidays.