AUGUSTA (AP) – The number of Mainers using food stamps has grown by nearly a third over the past three years, according to a report that analyzes the use of food stamps and other food programs.

The Washington-based Food Research and Action Center’s state-by-state report says that 132,582 Mainers received food stamps in 2002, up 30.5 percent from 2000. The average increase nationally was 24 percent.

The upward trend is attributed to a poor economy and a new method of distributing the food stamps.

Newell Augur, spokesman for Department of Human Services, said the increase is due in part to a new state program that allows recipients to pay for food with a debit card, rather than the colorful and highly visible food stamps of the past.

“There was a stigma associated with pulling out food stamps,” Augur said. “A lot of eligible people, especially older people, probably didn’t use them for that reason.”

The Food Research and Action Center said the rising food stamp use illustrates the growing divide between affluent and low-income Americans.

“Economic trends and government actions increasingly are splitting our society into two worlds: one comfortable and secure; the other, where low-wage working families struggle with hunger and food insecurity, poverty, lack of health insurance, and problems finding affordable housing,” Jim Weill, the group’s president, said in a prepared statement.

The report ranks Maine as fourth in the nation in making sure eligible residents receive their food stamp benefits. An estimated 75 percent to 88 percent of those eligible participate in the program.

Maine’s historically high participation rate, however, means the state’s recent food stamp increase is likely because of job losses, said Randy Russo, a senior policy analyst at the food center.

Augur said the Department of Human Services puts a strong emphasis on distributing the assistance.

“It’s important to maximize federal money coming into the state, and one of the ways to do that is by making sure that everybody who is eligible for the benefit is signed up for it,” he said.

AP-ES-05-03-04 0216EDT