N.D. 1 of 3 states where food stamp use dropped in 2011
The number of North Dakotans using food stamps to buy groceries dropped 2 percent in the last month of fiscal 2011 as the state's population swelled to an all-time high spurred by a hardy economy. Besides North Dakota, Illinois and Wyoming also showed a drop in food stamp usage. Seventeen states showed increases of 10 percent or more.By: Associated Press,
BISMARCK — The number of North Dakotans using food stamps to buy groceries dropped 2 percent in the last month of fiscal 2011 as the state's population swelled to an all-time high spurred by a hardy economy.
Federal Agriculture Department figures show 60,011 people were receiving food assistance at the end of last September, a drop of about 1,200 people from the same period in 2010.
Nationally, the number of people who used food stamps during that time jumped 7.8 percent to 46.2 million.
State food stamp director Arlene Dura says the food stamp decrease is a "reflection that things are going well here in North Dakota."
Besides North Dakota, Illinois and Wyoming also showed a drop in food stamp usage. Seventeen states showed increases of 10 percent or more.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
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