Increasing number of Texans receive food stamps

[Judi Lynn]

Jan. 23, 2005, 10:48PM

Increasing number of Texans receive food stamps
Associated Press

AUSTIN -- The number of Texans on food stamps increased nearly 60 percent over the past four years in the wake of an economic downturn and a population boom.

About 2.2 million Texans received food stamps in August, according to the Center for Public Policy Priorities, an Austin-based group that advocates for the poor. That's up from 1.4 million in 2000.
(snip)

Food banks and food pantries also say they're being inundated with people asking for help.

"It's unbelievably crowded every hour we're open," said Larry James, president of Central Dallas Ministries, which operates two food pantries. "It's an incredible rising demand."
(snip/)

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/3005552
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[SemperEadem]

1. If they think it's bad now

it isn't going to be getting any better anytime soon.

[elehhhhna]

2. Hey! We have many new Walmarts here--and their employees gotta eat!

[ally_sc]

7. at least they are not facing

cut backs like so many states...king george must be showing favoritism..

[Danocrat]

3. I'm sure it must be

Ann Richards' fault

[SammyWinstonJack]

16. Yeah she didn't leave Chimp a Big enough surplus

to steal and give away to his wealthy campaign contributors and still provide for Texans. Why is this state red?

[rooboy]

4. Registered Republicans should be refused food stamps...

and be told to take their chances with a faith based initiative.

[Wright Patman]

8. Texans don't register as such

You can show up and vote in either primary; you just can't switch to a different one if there's a runoff.

Where I live, I think about 70 percent of the people are willing to live off the land rather than ever vote for a Democrat for high office. The pastors have equated voting Democrat with siding with the devil against God and His leader in the White House. It is amazing to watch the groupthink in action. Very sad.

But they'll take the food stamps while they are still available. Dog food may be in their future, though. That, plus moving back in with the grown children when Social Security is privatized. But it will all reap eternal awards in heaven. Now if the grown children are not able or willing to take them in, we're going to have major problems.

They talk a good game against abortion and euthanasia, but the GOP philosophy is almost inevitably going to lead to more talk of the latter because the elderly just aren't "productive cogs" in the corporate machine.

[cornermouse]

5. I hope they watched the Inauguration...

[Ilsa]

14. The GOPers on food stamps keep thinking that if they

1) keep voting Repuke,
2) keep praying for Dubya,
3) keep working their asses off on seeveral low wage jobs with no OT while the wealthy pay next to nothing in taxes,

then they'll get to wear the $10,000 kangaroo boots, furs, diamonds, and get invited to another GOPer Inaugural. They are living in fantasyland with their expectations.

[xchrom]

6. that is the republican goal.

since their policies are the ones in effect -- this must be what they intend.

[izzie]

9. That is odd because----

We seem to have moved what we make in this country to the South. I thought it was where all the jobs were.

[mbperrin]

10. Not unless you count forklift driver for Family Dollar

and telemarketing for Televista!

[0007]

11. Everywhere one goes causalities of junior's crime cabal can seen.

The soup lines will start soon because the soup kitchens are too small and few.

Brother can ya spare a dime?

[BlueManDude]

12. In Texas, we call that walkin'.

[tanyev]

13. I read a similar article in the Dallas paper

yesterday. It was subtitled, After a decline in recipients from 1994 to 2000, rolls are swelling. It goes on to blame economic downturn, poplulation growth and expanded outreach.

Hmmm, let's see. What else changed in 2000? Why was the system working so well from 1994-2000 and suddenly took a nosedive after 2000? Just can't put my finger on it....

[rucky]

15. Must be all them Mexicans cumin' over the border

prepare for the next wave of Red State Hate.

[NVMojo]

17. it is the goal of all Chimpy supporters to feed at the trough like his

corporate friends do ...note "faith-based programs"...