Petition seeks to stagger food stamp distribution

NAMPA (AP) — A petition supported by Idaho grocers and a nonprofit advocacy group seeks to stagger the distribution of food stamp benefits.

Grocers have complained to state lawmakers that they've been swamped by food-stamp recipients on the first day of every month. However, legislation allowing state officials to stagger the distribution of these federal benefits stalled in the Idaho Legislature earlier this year.

A petition now circulating with support from grocers and the group, Idaho Interfaith Roundtable Against Hunger, calls on Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter for a fix.

State officials estimate 234,000 Idahoans are now receiving food stamps. Grocers told lawmakers earlier this year that the long lines, sometimes in the wee morning hours, have caused some people to abandon their carts in the aisles, forcing $1 million in food to go to waste.