Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

CRANSTON, R.I. -- The state will use federal stimulus money to hire three food stamp workers and buy a new telephone system, a move expected to ease an application backlog.

The number of Rhode Islanders relying on food stamps in June jumped to a record 107,891 users. The number has been rising steadily since early 2008.

Donalda Carlson, associate director of individual and family support services at the Department of Human Services, said she will also seek permission to hire more technicians to help with the growing number of applications. "We haven't peaked," she said.

The new measures -- announced at a food stamp advisory committee Monday -- come a week after two agencies sued DHS for failing to promptly process food stamp applications.

On Saturday, employees will open the Providence food stamp office and work overtime to help reduce the backlog, Carlson said.

"There is no one answer to this problem," but more workers, an easier application process and new phones will help, she said. The state earlier posted job descriptions for 11 food stamp clerical workers, but those positions have not been filled.

 Tags  food stamps Rhode Island Department of Human Services

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