Enrollment for food stamps, the largest U.S. anti-hunger program, is down for the fourth month in a row, according to new data from the Agriculture Department. Since the decline began last November, participation has dropped by 1.2 million people, or nearly 3 percent, to 46.2 million people in February, the latest month available. The record for enrollment is 47.8 million people in December 2012.
A strengthening economy and lower unemployment rates are forecast to reduce the demand for food stamp. The administration forecasts average enrollment of 47.5 million people this fiscal year and 46.9 million people during fiscal 2015 opening on Oct 1. Benefits are an average $125 per person per month.