Oregon Public Broadcasting

The need for food stamps and cash assistance has increased dramatically over the last year, according to the Oregon Department of Human Services.

28 percent more people asked for food stamps -- meaning one Oregonian in six now needs help to meet basic food needs.

Health Department spokeswoman, Patty Wentz, says one of the most troubling statistics is that the number of two-parent families eligible for cash assistance has more than doubled.

Patty Wentz: “That correlates with Oregon’s high unemployment rate. And it means that more and more people are in a position where they have very, very low income.”

A family of four has to earn less than $800 a month to qualify for the assistance.

The areas where demand has grown the most include Washington, Clackamas, Deschutes and Marion Counties.