SALEM – Oregonians who qualify for food stamps will be able to put more food on the table soon, thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The federal stimulus package is increasing food stamp benefits by 13.6 percent.

Gov. Ted Kulongoski says the increase helps in two ways. The added benefits will help people who are feeling the impact of the economy and also help local communities by putting more money into the local economy.

“A growing number of Oregon families are struggling to make ends meet and this

additional assistance is critical to helping them through this difficult time,” said Kulongoski. “In addition to putting food on the table, these stimulus dollars provide a direct economic benefit to our local communities as Oregon families spend these dollars at grocery stores and farmers markets.”

The increase goes into effect April 1. Assistance for a family receiving the average amount of $176 per month would increase by about $24 per month, for a total new amount of $200. For a family of four receiving the maximum benefit of $588, the amount would increase by $80, to approximately $668.

About $60.4 million in federal food stamp benefit dollars flowed into Oregon communities in February alone – and estimates are that Oregon’s share of the ARRA food stamp increase will by $190 million for the 2009-2011 biennium.