9.66 percent of people in East Alton receive food stamps. | File photo
9.66 percent of people in East Alton receive food stamps. | File photo
According to an analysis of the federal program by the Metro East Sun, 9.66 percent of people in East Alton were receiving food stamps as of April 30.
East Alton is in ZIP code 62024, which includes a total of 12439 people. Of that number, 1918 (15.42 percent) were receiving food stamps as of April 30, down from 1965 (15.8 percent) in the fourth quarter of 2015.
The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) administers the food stamps program, also known as "SNAP," for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
According to DHS, a family of four earning $40,020 per year receives $649 per month. A family of six earning $53,748 per year receives $925 per month. An individual earning $19,428 receives $194 per month. A childless couple earning $26,292 receives $357.
Approximately 16 percent of Illinois residents currently receive food stamps.
Nationally, 46.5 million Americans receive food stamps, or 15 percent of the U.S. population and 20 percent of U.S. households. In contrast, in 2000, 17.2 million Americans (6 percent) received food stamps. In 2008, that number was 28.2 million (9.3 percent).
In 1969, 2.878 million Americans received food stamps, or just 0.014 percent of the U.S. population.
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