With the value of food stamps decreasing, the poverty level in the Marshall and Saline County communities is increasing, according to social service officials.

"The working poor poverty is growing in this community," said Cheryl Zimny, Community Development Coordinator at Missouri Valley Community Action Agency. Zimny added that many people are employed but in low rate jobs, and as the cost of living continues to increase it causes the working poor to be in more of a crisis.

"The amounts are not increasing to compensate," Zimny said.

According to a Missouri Association for Social Welfare (MASW) press release, in Missouri alone about 274,000 households cannot always afford adequate food.

Many of the members of those households are among the 26 million Americans who receive food stamp benefits to help them buy food. Food stamps are worth only about $77 per month for the average Missourian.

"The Food Stamp Program is one of the most vital anti-hunger programs in the nation. It is a life-saving program, but since 1996 the value of families' food stamps has continually decreased," said Christine Woody, Hunger Task Force Coordinator for the Missouri Association for Social Welfare, in a June 19 press release.

Another concern for the low value of food stamps is that it doesn't allow people to live and eat healthily.

"Food stamps can contribute to obesity problems for low income families because they can't afford healthier foods," Zimny said. Zimny works with the food pantry in Marshall as well, where it has been observed that the number of those in need are increasing.

"Many are just over the government guidelines, which makes them in greater need for the food pantry," Zimny said. She added that the food pantry is needing donations for healthier foods.

According to Woody, Saline County has a total of 1,191 households using food stamps, with a total 3,554 individuals.

According to MASW, the Federal Farm Bill, which includes the Food Stamp Program, is being re-authorized by congress.

"This year Congress has the opportunity to fix the living expense deduction problem during the Farm Bill re-authorization process. If they do not fix this within the Farm Bill, Missourians could lose $47 million in food stamp benefits in 2008. As a result, Missouri households are increasingly likely to run out of food before the end of the month," Woody said.