19 May 2008

CNMI prepares for surge in numbers seeking food aid

7:45 pm on 19 May 2008

The Department of Community & Cultural Affairs in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas' is warning there'll be an influx of people needing basic assistance in the wake of the economic decline.

It says it is preparing its Nutrition Assistance Program office for a landslide influx of new clients.

A departmental official says they are expecting food stamp client numbers to grow at a rate of up to 40 households per month.

The Programme is already assisting over 7,000 people from more than 2,000 households.