PLATTSBURGH -- The rising cost of fuel and food has driven more people to the Food Stamp line throughout the North Country.

"We're seeing mostly working families that just can't make it anymore," Social Services Director Jay T. LePage said.

GROWING NEED

LePage said the county has seen a 37-percent increase in applications for Food Stamps over the past year.

In March, the number of people using Food Stamps surpassed 8,000 for the first time in history.

"People have to pay for gas; they are worried about heating their homes, paying for groceries .... People's budgets are strained," LePage said.

Last year at this time, Clinton County had about 7,400 people on Food Stamps, and now there are 8,200, LePage said.

In Franklin County, the number has increased by about 200 people, up to 4,932 in the last five months.

"We would like to see that number increase even more because people are going to need all the help they can get," Franklin County Social Services Commissioner Lesley Lyon, said.

"If you are eligible for Food Stamps, there is no reason why you shouldn't use them because if you can save $30 to $50 a week, you can use that for fuel to heat your home."

In Essex County, the number of Food Stamp recipients went up to 1,219 in May from 1,157 in May of 2007.

John O'Neill, Essex County Social Services commissioner, said he expects more people will look into the Food Stamp option as prices continue to hike.

"So many people are close to the edge now," he said.

I HAVE PRIDE'

The program is funded by federal dollars. About $10 million worth of Food Stamps will come into Clinton County alone this year.