A record number of Marylanders are on food stamps this year, with people in Anne Arundel County turning to the government for help with grocieries at a faster rate than any other part of the state, according to state figures.

Last month, more than 19,800 people used food stamps to supplement their grocery bills, according to the Department of Human Resources. That's a 26 percent jump from 15,700 a year ago, and state officials said the rise has been a steady, month-to-month increase.

At Pop's Grocery & Deli in Glen Burnie, employees said they've noticed the increase as more people use food stamps.

"I know there are...