Over the past 20 years, the characteristics of the SNAP (Food stamps) recipients have changed. In 1989, a higher percentage were on benefits than working, but as of 2009 a higher percentage had earned income.
"SNAP is increasingly work support," said Ed Bolen, an analyst at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
And that's only likely to get worse. So far in the recovery, jobs growth has been concentrated in lower-wage occupations, with minimal growth in middle-income wages as many higher-paid blue collar jobs have disappeared.
And 6% of the 72.9 million Americans paid by the hour received wages at or below the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour in 2010. That's up from 4.9% in 2009, and 3% in 2002, according to government data.
http://tvnz.co.nz/business-news/america-food-stamp-nation-4363124But hey, it's OK. Billionaires are trying to build artificial islands out in the middle of the ocean, so thank you for your sacrifices, everyone else... Oh and try not to starve or freeze to death too loudly, the billionaires don't want want to be bothered by your cries... I mean class warfare, 'kay?