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Florida Sees Surge In Food Stamp Applications

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By WHITNEY RAY

Capitol News Service

Published: September 30, 2008

The number of people applying for food stamps in Florida has skyrocketed. At the food stamp application processing center the phones are ringing off the hook. The call volume has risen to 120,000 a day, 40,000 more than a year ago. The number of Floridians using the program is up more than 20 percent statewide and more than 60 percent in some areas.

Sharonda Coleman has a 3-year-old daughter with epilepsy. She takes care of her daughter full time and relies on a food stamp debit card to eat.

"It gives me ample time to spend with her and recognize you know when she's sick and when she's not sick," Coleman said. She is just one of a growing number of Floridians who rely on food stamps to feed their families.

Derrick Riggins interviews food stamp applicants. He talks to a lot of people who never would have thought they'd need help.

"The story I hear the most is, I didn't want to have to come this route but because of the economy this is the route I have to come," Riggins said.

Florida's unemployment rate has skyrocketed above the national average. Last year more than half the people who lost their jobs worked in the construction industry.

Lee Ann Godwin has helped dozens of unemployed construction workers apply for food stamps. She says sometimes it's hard to do her job.

"I hear stories and as much as I want to sit down and cry with some of my people I have to continue getting their information in," Godwin said.

The state is paying workers overtime to keep up with all the calls. The food stamps are paid for by the federal government.

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