By Charles Abbott
For the first time, more than 34 million Americans received food stamps, which help poor people buy groceries, government figures said on Thursday, a sign of the longest and one of the deepest recessions since the Great Depression
Enrollment surged by 2 percent to reach a record 34.4 million people, or one in nine Americans, in May, the latest month for which figures are available.
It was the sixth month in a row that enrollment set a record. Every state recorded a gain in participation from April. Florida had the largest increase at 4.2 percent.
Food stamp enrollment is highest during times of economic stress. The U.S. unemployment rate of 9.5 percent is the highest in 26 years.
Average benefit was $133.65 in May per person. The economic stimulus package enacted earlier this year included a temporary increase in food stamp benefits of $80 a month for a family of four.
Continue reading US Food Stamp List Tops 34 Million For First Time
I agree, Catherine, that it is easier and safer to take one’s anger out on the powerless than on those with power. Much is being written in the news today about anger being expressed at the ‘town hall’ meetings of Congresspersons…but I don’t think that’s exactly the same as taking out anger toward the powerful.(And, of course, much of it is actually orchestrated by those with power.)
But I’m wondering where all of this anger IS leading. What are some ways to allow for or help facilitate healthy and productive expressions of anger?