Food stamp use in Minn. at all-time high and rising

The number of Minnesotans using food stamps in Minnesota is at an all-time high and continues to rise.

A new report from the Minnesota Department of Human Services shows that in January more than 478,000 Minnesotans received food stamps, known in Minnesota as Food Support.

Jill Hiebert, with the advocacy group Hunger Solutions, said the numbers continue to rise in part because need is so high.

"The jobs haven't come back yet. The employment and underemployment numbers are still high," she said. "People aren't earning that income where they can afford to pay all their bills plus buy enough groceries."

Heibert said rule changes have also pushed up the number of people getting Food Support. Recent changes made significantly more people eligible for the program.