OLYMPIA -- Come Oct. 1, more Washington families will have help putting food on their tables.

The state Department of Social and Health Services has changed eligibility rules for Basic Food, Washington's food stamp program. By increasing income eligibility levels, the new rules allow more families and individuals to get Basic Food benefits.

Currently, the food benefit is available to people who make up to 130 percent of the federal poverty level -- $26,900 for a four-person household. Under the new formula, people with income at or below 200 percent of the poverty level -- $42,400 for a family of four – may be eligible to get food stamps.

The new rule can also help these families get free or reduced-cost school meals for their children, because eligibility for Basic Food also automatically enrolls children in free school meal programs.

The Legislature and Gov. Chris Gregoire authorized DSHS to make changes that increase the income limits. DSHS estimates that about 23,000 more households may become eligible for food benefits on Oct. 1.

"While the job market in Washington has remained steadier than other areas of the country, some people here are losing their jobs," said Troy Hutson, assistant secretary for the DSHS Economic Services Administration. "When you add increasing food and gas costs, more and more people are going to need help making ends meet. The food stamp program is the nation's first defense against hunger."

People are encouraged to call the toll free information line 1-877-514-FOOD (3663) or visit foodhelp.wa.gov for more information and to find out if they are eligible

Food stamps do more than help families when times are tough, their use also bolsters local economies. During state fiscal year 2007, the Basic Food program generated more than $607 million in food purchases statewide.

Washington's participation in the program increased about 4 percent from March 2007 to March 2008 (552,981 to 571,931). A June snapshot of the Basic Food program shows that 573,060 low-income residents – including 236,600 children -- were supplementing their income with food benefits.

Washington's Basic Food program has repeatedly received bonuses from the federal government for its high accuracy rate in processing food stamps. In July the state received a $2.4 million performance bonus from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for its 97 percent accuracy rate.

Basic Food Facts.

• People can apply for Basic Food at any DSHS Community Services Office or online. Find links to a list of offices and the online application at www.foodhelp.wa.gov.
• On average, eligible households receive their food benefits within eight or nine days after applying. Applicants in immediate need of help often receive their food benefits on the same day.
• Once approved, benefits are electronically loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The cards are used like debit cards.
• Monthly benefits vary by the number of people in a household, income and living expenses, such as mortgage, utilities, child care and child support. A family of four could receive up to $588 a month in Basic Food benefits.

DSHS does not discriminate, and provides equal access to its programs and services for all persons without regard to race, color, gender, religion, creed, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, age, veteran's status or the presence of any physical, sensory or mental disability.