The US Department of Agriculture released data this week indicating that nearly one in seven Maine households struggled with hunger, or were "food insecure," during the period between 2005 and 2007.

Food insecurity is the USDA term used to describe households that struggle with affording enough food. In addition, the prevalence of food insecurity in Maine increased at a faster rate than in any other state over the prior period of 2002 to 2004.

Maine now ranks second highest in the nation -- just behind Mississippi -- for the percent of families suffering from "very low" food security, and fifth highest for overall food insecurity. These numbers do not reflect the dramatic weakening of the economy in recent months.

Recent increases in the number of people receiving Food Supplement Benefits, the new name for Maine's Food Stamp program, is a clear indicator that Maine people are having greater difficulty making ends meet. More than 12,000 Maine people have started to receive FSB in the last year, an 8% increase.

"In Maine, nearly 80 percent of households rely on oil to heat their homes," said Sara Gagné-Holmes, executive director of Maine Equal Justice Partners, in Augusta. "As a result, more and more people are making the difficult choice between purchasing food and fuel. The volatility in cost for basic needs, and the drop in the value of wages and income for low-income families are creating real hardship in our communities."