Fulton, Montgomery and Hamilton counties each will receive about a 13.6 percent increase in federal funding for their food stamp programs as part of increased statewide funding through the federal stimulus package.
Fulton County will receive an additional $4 million in food stamp benefits over the next two years, while Montgomery County will receive $3.9 million. Hamilton County will receive $141,000.
A family of four can expect its monthly food stamp allotment to increase by $80, from $588 to $668.
Fulton County Department of Social Services Director of Financial Assistance John Rogers, whose agency disburses the federal money used for food stamps, said the money would not be used to allow more people to receive the benefit. It would only mean those who already receive the benefit would have their monthly benefit increase by 13.6 percent.
"The stimulus money is just an increase in the benefit level," Rogers said. "It won't change the eligibility."
An increase in eligibility typically occurs Oct. 1 each year due to general cost-of-living increases. Because of the stimulus money, though, Rogers said there will be no increase in eligibility this Oct. 1.
Montgomery County DSS Commissioner William Cranker said the stimulus money would offset the need for an Oct. 1 increase.
The extra food stamp aid, he said, will be welcome in the county.
"It'll help those people," he said, referring to those with food stamps.
Centro Civico of Amsterdam Developmental Disabilities Director Linda Marrotta, who works with many children and families on food stamps, said the money could help ensure a healthier lifestyle for those in the program.
"I think it's important that our government takes responsibility in taking care of our vulnerable," she said. "A large percent of our population uses food stamps, and additional food stamps will help with the increasing costs of nutritious foods. I think it will secure proper health."
Catholic Charities of Fulton and Montgomery Counties Family Support Assistant Jessica Whelly said the money will help, but she said people likely will continue to visit the organization's food pantry.
"There are families that come here that receive a large amount of food stamp money and they still continue to come even though they're getting a good amount," Whelly said. "I think they'll still come. I don't think it'll affect us that way."
Rogers said DSS has seen "a significant increase in the food stamp caseload over the past year or so," thanks to changes in eligibility requirements.
This February, for example, the Fulton County DSS disbursed $926,097 to 3,717 households involving 7,457 people. In contrast, in February 2008, 3,041 households involving 6,056 people received $600,472.
In March 2008, Montgomery County served 3,032 households under its food stamp program, and that number has increased to 3,402 since then.
People wondering whether they are eligible for food stamp benefits can visit www.mybenefits.ny.gov and click on the "Am I Eligible?" link to screen themselves, though Rogers cautioned the tool is just for screening and is not the final authority on whether a person will be eligible for food stamps.