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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- State officials say record numbers of Utahns are seeking federal food assistance.
Since May, the state's food stamp caseload has set records each month, reaching more than 88,000 in August, a 51 percent increase from the same month a year ago.
The Food Research and Action Center says as of mid 2009, 7.3 percent of Utahans were participating in the food stamp program.
Only five states had lower participation rates, according to federal data analyzed by the center.
Community activists say more middle-income families are falling into poverty and qualifying for food assistance programs.
Salt Lake Community Action, which operates five food pantries in Salt Lake County, says it has seen a 30 percent jump in families requesting assistance.
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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
