The state hungers for a recovery.

• Position: Statewide

Things seem like they are getting better. The unemployment rate is slowly falling, while retail sales are quickly rising. So why is the number of people receiving food aid in North Carolina still climbing? The number of Tar Heels working increased 2.7% between April 2009 and April 2012, but that of recipients skyrocketed 44.4%. For one, the state changed eligibility requirements in 2010. Now, households that earn 200% of the federal poverty level can apply to receive assistance from Food and Nutrition Services--part of the federal food-stamp program--up from 130%. Another explanation could be that though more North Carolinians are working, they're being paid less to do so. Between 2007 and 2011, the most recent year available, the state's median household income fell 1.7% to $43,916.

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Average monthly benefits per person ($) N.C. U.S. 2007 91.77 96.18 2008 97.9 102.19 2009 119.11 125.31 2010 128.24 133.79 2011 124.58 133.85 Note: Table made from bar graph. Benefits paid in N.C. ($millions) 2007 972.3 2008 1,104.4 2009 1,625.5 2010 2,072.1 2011 2,377.1 Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Note: Table made from bar graph. Though the state's unemployment rate is starting to fall, the number of people receiving food aid continues to climb. People on food aid Unemployment rate (%) 4/07 868,892 4.6 4/08 938,216 5.4 4/09 1,142,712 10.2 4/10 1,334,545 11.2 4/11 1,571,115 10.4 4/12 1,650,483 9.4 Sources: N.C. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Note: Table made from line graph. Participants by race (%) North Carolina United States Other 3.2 6.3 Hispanic 1.3 10.0...