MADISON (AP) — Enrollment in the state’s food-stamp program has jumped 20 percent since last year as more people struggle with rising costs and the slumping economy.

About 201,000 households were enrolled in the FoodShare program as of October. That’s about 33,000 more households than at the same point last year.
Rea Holmes, a spokeswoman for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, said the spike occurred because of the economy, and also because the requirements to qualify have been eased.

She said the department eliminated the requirement that applicants go through job training before they qualify. People can now also apply for benefits online.

The average amount of FoodShare aid is $217 per month.

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