Politics
Politics

Georgia seeing huge decrease in food stamp use

Eric Grant used to be on food stamps, but now he's not. He said Food stamps helped him get through a rough time in his life. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM
By Craig Schneider
June 23, 2017

Eric Grant is a disabled Air Force vet. The fighting in Iraq - mortar shelling, breathing the smoke from burn pits - left him with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and post traumatic stress disorder.

Food stamps help him and his family get through some rough times. But he’s among many Georgians who’ve been able to drop that government assistance. Georgia is seeing a huge decrease in the number of people receiving food stamps, due in large part to the improving economy.

But there’s also a brewing national debate on whether some people still on food stamps are taking advantage of the system.

Read about Eric's story and the complete controversy at http://www.myajc.com/news/breaking-news/georgia-sees-huge-drop-people-food-stamps/X229Ojse0sdQuHrlGblb9J/.

About the Author

Craig Schneider
More Stories

Keep Reading

April Newkirk holds a bouquet as she listens to a speaker during a vigil in honor of Adriana Smith at the Park Avenue Baptist Church on Sunday, June 15, 2025. Adriana was declared brain dead while she was pregnant, but the state’s abortion law has prevented doctors from removing her from life support. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Family of Adriana Smith marks what would have been 31st birthday

LISTEN

‘Politically Georgia’ hosts candidate forum for Public Service Commissioner race

The ‘Politically Georgia’ team holds a candidate forum and interview ahead of Tuesday’s election for public service commissioner.

2h ago

Tensions rise during DeKalb immigration protest with use of tear gas

The events are taking place on the same day as a military parade in Washington celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary, which coincides with Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.

The Latest

Since 2022, the Public Service Commission has approved six rate increases for Georgia Power customers. (AJC 2019)
LISTEN

‘Politically Georgia’ hosts candidate forum for Public Service Commissioner race

2h ago

Family of Adriana Smith marks what would have been 31st birthday

Tensions rise during DeKalb immigration protest with use of tear gas

Featured

Aerial photo shows demonstrators holding signs to oppose Trump’s immigration policies during “No Cake for False Kings” protest on the 17th Street NW Bridge, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Thousands turn out in metro Atlanta; DeKalb immigration protest escalates

The events are taking place on the same day as a military parade in Washington celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary, which coincides with Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.

Route changes for metro Atlanta Xpress commuter buses start Monday

The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority, which operates Xpress, has said the changes are necessary because of ridership declines since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ronald Acuña Jr. is quickly assembling All-Star case for Braves

In the last 30 days, Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is third in batting average, ninth in home runs, first in on-base percentage and second in slugging and OPS