A record number on food stamps

The number of Americans using food stamps has hit a new all-time high, according to an article from the New York Times.

From the article: "Recent rises in many states appear to be resulting mainly from the economic slowdown, officials and experts say, as well as inflation in prices of basic goods that leave more families feeling pinched. Citing expected growth in unemployment, the Congressional Budget Office this month projected a continued increase in the monthly number of recipients in the next fiscal year, starting Oct. 1 — to 28 million, up from 27.8 million in 2008, and 26.5 million in 2007."

Keeping in mind that you can use statistics to paint just about any picture, or headline, the article also includes this line: "The percentage of Americans receiving food stamps was higher after a recession in the 1990s, but actual numbers are expected to be higher this year."

The swelling ranks of food stamp users may have a nominal effect on the produce industry. They may view fresh produce as a luxury item that they can't afford, and instead choose to fill up on Wonder bread, Oreos and Doritos.

Fresh produce is an applicable purchase under food stamps, however. As long as retailers feature some good loss-leader ads, even cash-strapped consumers will have some options in the produce aisle.