46 Million on Food Stamps for 36 Months in a Row

For the first time in U.S. history, food stamp enrollments have been above 46 million for 36 months in a row. 

According to newly released numbers from the United States Department of Agriculture (which oversees the food stamp program), food stamp enrollments in September 2011 were 46,268,250 and never fell below 46 million up and through September 2014 (the most recent month for which numbers are available), when 46,459,998 individuals received food stamps. 

The 36 unbroken months of food stamps enrollments above 46 million paints an economic portrait of a citizenry frozen in place. 

President Barack Obama, however, sees it otherwise. 

“By every economic measure, we are better off now than when I took office,” said Obama in October. 

Indeed, under Obama, food stamp enrollments have skyrocketed. Since January 2009, the number of individuals on food stamps has skyrocketed from 31.9 million to the 46,459,998 who receive them today.