Use of food stamps by soldiers rising

Usage reaches $104 million in 2013

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CNN is reporting that use of food stamps by soldiers continued to rise in 2013, reaching nearly $104 million. This reflects an upward trend that’s been in place since the start of the recession in 2008 when military members redeemed $31.1 million worth of food stamps.

From the article…

Some of the growth in soldiers’ redemption of food stamps reflects
the weak economic recovery, especially for spouses looking for jobs. In
2012, there was a 30% unemployment rate among spouses off active-duty
military who were 18 to 24 years old, according to the Military Officers
Association of America, which released the survey last week.

Spouses who have to relocate every few years have a tough time finding work in the private sector.

The article also says that some of the growth could come from lowered state eligibility requirements to access food stamp programs during the recession.

Read the full story here.