The number continues to rise and families who've never before applied for benefits are depending on food stamps to make ends meet.

In December 2007, 73,558 people in Orange County were benefiting from food stamps. That has increased 31% to 96,065 as of last month.

Osceola County has seen a 26% increase during that time period. Seminole County's enrollment has grown 24%.

"These are plumbers, electricians, carpenters who are dramatically out of work."

DCF Secretary George Sheldon (pictured) says 50,000 more people are on food stamps now.

"These are people who've probably never applied for benefits before in their life."

Sheldon says the trend started back in April 2007. Its all federal dollars handed down to the state. But Florida has to match any money spent to administer the program.

He hopes state lawmakers will give DCF the money it needs to extend call center hours and pay overtime to meet the growing demand from the public.