Participation in food stamp program rises

CHARLESTON — The number of West Virginians receiving food stamps has jumped by 11 percent in five years amid rising costs for food and fuel.

According to the state Department of Health and Human Resources, 274,487 West Virginians received food stamps in February, compared to 246,890 in 2003.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service says food costs have risen at least 2.4 percent annually since 2004.

DHHR policy specialist Sarah Young says more low-income residents are turning to food stamps to make ends meet.

They’re also turning to food pantries and soup kitchens. But Mountaineer Food Bank Executive Director Carla Nardella says food and monetary donations aren’t keeping up with the demand.