HARRISBURG — The economic downturn and relaxed eligibility requirements are increasing participation in Pennsylvania's food stamp program.

The Department of Public Welfare said more than 709,000 households received assistance through the state's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in November. That's a 30 percent increase over two years ago.

While economic forces are responsible for some of that increase, Department of Public Welfare spokeswoman Stacey Witalec said more people are eligible since the program's income limit was raised for the first time in about 20 years.