Community Corner
Food Stamp Use Doubles in Westport
Since 2007, rich communities like Westport are seeing more and more residents needed food stamps.
From the onset of the economic collapse, the number of Westport residents receiving food stamps has increased by 135 percent. This follows a statewide trend of affluent towns looking for increased assistance.
The figures, reported by the Hartford Courant, show that Westport went from only 84 food stamp recipients in 2007 to 197 in 2010.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program offers food based on income. For a family of four, the qualifying monthly income is $1,838. While the number of food stamp recipients has risen, Westport’s median household income has increased since 2009 and is now the in the county.
Find out what's happening in Westportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
While governmental assistance has skyrocketed in wealthier towns, the demand from local organizations has . The Westport Woman’s Club on 44 Imperial Avenue accepts food donations, as does the Gillespie Center on 45 Jesup Road.
In Westport, food stamps are accepted at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, CVS, Stop and Shop, Walgreens and Cumberland Farms.
Find out what's happening in Westportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
To see how the need for food assistance has grown in other Connecticut towns, click here for information provided by the Hartford Courant.
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