The New York Times recently published an article: Food Stamp Use Soars and Stigma Fades.  The article reports that there are 239 counties in the U.S. where at least a quarter of the population receives food stamps—and the program is expanding at a pace of about 20,000 people per day.  Missouri even made the story – a third of the children in Missouri receive food aid.   This recession is hitting the once middle class in our society.  What would happen to all of us if we lost our jobs, homes, savings and sometimes our self worth?  What if not for the many safety net programs?