State officials say about 51,000 low-income North Dakotans were served by the federal food stamp program last month.
Food stamp director Arlene Dura says the number of North Dakota families receiving help grew by 5 percent in fiscal 2008. She says that given the current economy, she would expect the numbers to trend up.
Food stamp payments in the state topped $5.8 million last month.
A family of four can qualify for help with an income of less than $2,297 per month.
