In Tough Times, More Seniors Turning to Food Stamps

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Story Published: Oct 5, 2008 at 11:45 PM EDT

Story Updated: Oct 5, 2008 at 11:45 PM EDT

BOSTON (AP) - The state's fiscal tough times are sending more
seniors to seek out food stamps to help ward off hunger pangs.

Since February, 2007, the number of seniors using food stamps
has jumped 39 percent to more than 69,000.

Shirley Chao, director of nutrition for the Massachusetts
Executive Office of Elder Affairs, told the Boston Herald that the
surge is the worst she's seen in 19 years.

State officials say the increase is also due in part to expanded
outreach efforts and a new system making it easier to process food
stamp applications.

Activists working with seniors say the economic times are also
forcing some seniors to swallow their pride and ask for help.

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