We have a special series starting next week. The Secret Life of a Food Stamp will explore the complex partnership between government and many low-wage retailers that keeps the food stamp economy running, and what the rising use of food stamps among working people tells about America’s expanding low-wage economy.

Food stamps turns 50 this year.  The program’s sky-rocketing growth in recent years has gotten a lot of attention from politicians on the left and right.  One in seven Americans uses food stamps today – more than twice the rate in 2000.  Some of that expansion can be explained by changing eligibility requirements and job-losses during the recession.  But the fastest growing group of food stamp participants are people with jobs, who work all year-round, yet still live close to the poverty line.

Retail companies authorized by the federal government to take in billions of dollars in revenue from the food stamp program.

This special series will begin airing on Marketplace  April 1, 2 and 3. Stories will also air on Marketplace Morning Report April 2 and 3.