An increasing number of citizens are turning to food stamps to help make ends meet and Clermont County, like many communities across the country, is seeing an ever increasing demand for assistance.

Since 2001, the number of citizens receiving food stamps has increased 145 percent in Clermont County; in 2007, one out of 10 citizens received food stamps. Typically, a family of four with gross earnings of no more than $2,238 per month is eligible for food stamps.

“As gas, food and energy costs rise, we are seeing an increasing number of working families turn to us for assistance,” said Crystal Patrick, director of the Clermont County officer of Adult, Child and Family Stability. “Food stamps can help, but the program is not designed to meet all of the families grocery needs.”