food stamps

Driven by a painful mix of layoffs and rising food and fuel prices, the number of Americans receiving food stamps is projected to reach 28 million in the coming year, the highest level since the aid program began in the 1960s.

Mary Ornales' food stamps don't last long these days. Six months ago, the monthly allotment from the federal food program fed the South Austin mother and her four young children for the whole month. Now, it barely stretches three weeks. "I feel like it's going faster, and I have to buy more things myself," said Ornales, 25.