AUGUSTA (AP) – Government officials say more people are applying for and receiving food stamps in Maine, bringing the state’ enrollment in the federal program to 176,000 people.

The increase of 15,000 people since January coincides with an increase in national figures. It also reflects the effects of higher fuel and grocery prices.

Statistics from Maine Department of Health and Human Services show more than one in eight Mainers use food stamps to supplement their buying power in the grocery store.

Barbara Van Burgel of the state Department of Health and Human Services says that with the higher cost of heating fuel and groceries, people are stretching their dollars a little more.

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Information from: Morning Sentinel, http://www.onlinesentinel.com/

AP-ES-04-05-08 1459EDT