US | food stamps Food Stamp Use Nears Record High Rising unemployment set to push benefit numbers past 30M By Rob Quinn Posted Nov 26, 2008 6:05 AM CST Copied A man gets groceries at the University District Food Bank Tuesday, July 15, 2008, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) Rising unemployment is expected to push the number of Americans on food stamps to an all-time high of more than 30 million this month, the Washington Post reports. Food pantries say they are also experiencing a surge in demand and a hunger hotline in Washington DC says its calls have more than tripled—and come mostly people who have never sought help before. Experts say high food prices, while down from their peak, are contributing to the rise in hunger. Political support is growing for a proposal to temporarily raise food stamp benefits by 10% to 20% in the next economic stimulus package. "Congress has been focusing on the impact on the financial markets," said one advocate. "We want them to focus on the supermarkets and help 30 million people." Read These Next New Fox star, 23, misses first day after car troubles. Iran's supreme leader makes first public comments since ceasefire. Man accused of killing his daughters might be dead. White House rolls with Trump's 'daddy' nickname. Report an error