More East Haveners Applying for Food Stamps

The number of East Haven residents receiving food stamps today is almost double the amount in 2007, according to information gathered from the Connecticut Department of Social Services by the Hartford Courant.

“More people are applying because they are out of work longer,” said Veronica Wright, director of social services for the town of East Haven, adding that the East Haven Food Pantry has also seen an increase in people coming in. 

From 2007 to 2010, the number of East Haven food stamp recipients has climbed 83 percent – from 1,109 to 2,031 – according to the survey.

Construction or factory workers who are usually out of work two to three months are now staying unemployed longer, according to Wright. She said many industries are cutting back on staff and that, along with rising gas and utility prices, is causing people to apply for food stamps, which actually aren't stamps but a swipeable plastic card. 

Wright said Shaw’s abrupt closing last year forced many people to find work outside of a grocery store in order to “make ends meet” and that it has been challenging for some.

Outside of East Haven, North Branford’s food stamp recipients shot up 119 percent – from 136 to 298 – while beneficiaries in New Haven only increased 26 percent in the three-year span. Wright said the increase is not as large in the Elm City because Yale University employees go back to work after the few months off in the summer or between semesters.

Click here to check out the figures in neighboring towns.