As a part-time school crossing guard at Salazar Elementary, Therese Abeyta doesn't always earn enough money to buy the foods she knows her 9-year-old son needs.

That's where the food stamps come in.

"At least with the food stamps, you can buy something healthy like fruit, which you can't when you are limited," Abeyta said.

Abeyta, 47, is one of a growing number of New Mexicans who receive help putting food on their family's table.

In the past six months, 3,799 New Mexico families started receiving food stamps, bringing the total to 94,593, the state Human Services Department says.

At the same time, food costs are on the rise. Prices jumped 4 percent in 2007, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and are expected to rise by 4.5 percent this year.

While higher price stickers on everything from eggs to ice cream are likely one factor in the number of families needing help, state officials say steep gas prices also play a role.

Although the number of families receiving help has been going up lately, it's still below an August 2006 peak, when the state had about 1,200 more families on the program.

The state wants people to know they should ask for help if they qualify.

"We know there are thousands more families that qualify for the program, but are not enrolled," Katie Falls, deputy secretary of the Human Services Department, said in a statement. "These families are missing out on an average of $233 per month to help with the increased costs for food at the grocery store."

To qualify, applicants must meet income requirements. They also must provide information about household members and expenses, among other things. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or qualified lawful residents. Recipients get electronic benefits cards to purchase food items.

The state is working with food banks and faith-based organizations to get the word out about the program.

Abeyta says those who need help shouldn't be afraid to ask. "It shouldn't be embarrassing," she said. "If you need it, you need it."

All the money for the food stamp program comes from the federal government, which, along with helping needy families, puts money into the state's economy.

Last year, New Mexicans spent $250 million as part of the program, according to the state.

"The Food Stamp Program helps families purchase nutritious foods, but also helps the state's economy by bringing in dollars that would not come into the state if families didn't participate in the program," HSD Secretary Pam Hyde said in a statement.

Contact Kate Nash at 986-3036 or knash@sfnewmexican.com.

WHO TO CALL

For information on qualifying for food stamps, call 800-283-4465 or visit www.hsd.state.nm.us/isd.


WHO QUALIFIES

Monthly income limits for food stamp eligibility, listed by family size and income:

1 — $1,107
2 — $1,484
3 — $1,861
4 — $2,238
5 — $2,615
6 — $2,992
7 — $3,369
8 — $3,746

Source: State Human Services Department