Growing Number Of Minnesota Seniors Use Food Stamps

Last year, a record 58 percent of eligible seniors in Minnesota were enrolled in the program. That's more than 50,000 people. And those ages 65 or older are now the fastest-growing segment of food stamp recipients in the state.

A decade ago, just one-third of eligible seniors were enrolled. Outreach to seniors and a streamlined enrollment process have been some factors in the increase. In addition, the number of seniors has doubled since the Great Recession ended in 2009.

The increase also reflects a shift in attitudes toward the federal benefit, which no longer carries the stigma it did years ago.