CBS Moneywatch: Must work for food stamps: A modest proposal or recipe for hunger?

“… Those who work to combat hunger in Maine say that while food-stamp enrollment has declined, the work requirement hasn’t done anything to reduce hunger in the state. In fact, food insecurity has surged since the work requirements were added to the program, forcing some low-income residents to rely on charities to meet their needs.

“… Higher-paying jobs have mostly been replaced by low-wage work, which often doesn’t provide stable hours. The new jobs created in Maine have largely been in the service, retail and tourism industries, which can all have volatile hours and, in the case of tourism, only offer seasonal work. The problem is especially acute in rural counties, the Maine Center for Economic Policy said.”

Click here to read the full story, published May 17 in CBS Moneywatch.