TIMES ALBANY BUREAU

ALBANY — In an effort to help needy New Yorkers deal with rising food prices, Gov. David A. Paterson announced Wednesday an infusion of $150 million in state funds into the federal food stamp program.

The new funds mean that food stamp benefits to 115,000 low-income households — primarily those residing in public and Section 8 housing — will increase by an average of $118 per month. In New York, the federal food stamp program is administered by the state Office of Temporary Disability Assistance.

Some 90,000 New York City households will get an average monthly increase of $131, while another 25,000 households across the rest of the state will see an average monthly boost of $72.

"Rising food and commodities prices are affecting all New Yorkers," Gov. Paterson said. "Increasing food stamp benefits for some of our state's most vulnerable residents will truly make a difference in their lives and help them to better meet their families' nutritional needs."

The increased benefits take effect Oct. 1. The increase is the result of a state effort to expand eligibility for energy assistance.

By offering a modest benefit to newly eligible households, federal rules trigger a greater monthly allocation for food stamps because these recipients are allowed a greater allowance for energy costs.