Almost one in nine Americans now use food stamps to help purchase groceries as the economic recession continues to push record numbers of people into the federal program according to the USDA.  What’s worse is that the heartrending news that 33.2 million people are struggling just to put food on the table is expected to get worse as unemployment rises and wages continue to drop.  The relative good news is that increasing numbers of farmer’s markets are accepting food stamps, offering families afforable access to healthy ingredients.  And while Costco initially refused to accept food stamps, as Gina pointed out, it looks like they may test the program in their New York locations.

No should have to go hungry and in these dire circumstances force people to stretch their food budgets, it’s reassuring to know that there are some place they can make the most of their dollar.  The challenge then becomes trying to make the healthiest choice on a limited budget, without resorting to the quick-fix, empty calories of processed food.  To learn ways to make the most of your food dollars, check out Diane Hatz’s guide for shopping sustainably on a limited budget.

Photo: Mill’s Baker’s flickr photostream (creative commons)