1 Of Every 10 On First Coast On Food Stamps

JACKSONVILLE, FL - Federal stimulus dollars are helping local agencies provide more food stamp to recipients than ever before.

Toni Butler is a single mother of three young children. When health issues forced her to quit work, she turned to the state for food stamps to put meals on her family's table.

"Milk. Cereal. Butter. Meats," she smiled.

"It's good because right now I'm struggling. So I couldn't afford to buy all that, so it really helps me. Especially with my kids when my kids can't eat!"

These days Toni is giving back by volunteering to help others just signing up for assistance. Since 2003, the number of food stamp recipients locally has doubled and doubled again. Now one out of every ten people on the First Coast is on food stamps.

The biggest increase has taken place over the past two years.

Department of Children and Families spokesman John Harrell told First Coast News it is a sign of the times.

"Because of what's happened in the economy, there are people who, at one time may have been donating to agencies to help the less fortunate, who now themselves are needing that help!"

THE DCF recommends anyone who has lost their job go on to the State Of Florida website to see if they are eligible for food stamp assistance. You can get to that website by clicking here.

For Toni Butler, it has made all the difference in the world.

"It's good. Long as they can eat, I'm fine. As long as my kids can eat, that's fine with me."

And Harrell adds that for anybody worried about inefficiencies in the system or wasted dollars, the Federal Government now rates Florida number one in the country for fiscal responsibility with 100% accountability when it comes to the food stamp program.

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