The number of Illinois residents relying on food stamps and visiting food banks is rising along with the poverty rate.

The number of food stamp recipients increased 19% during the recent recession and has increased an additional 41% since it ended in June 2009.

At the same time, households served by the state's emergency food program spiked from 2.27 million in fiscal year 2009 to almost 3 million in 2012. That's according to the Illinois Department of Human Services, which distributes federal surplus commodities to food banks.

The Chicago-based Social IMPACT research Center reported Wednesday that 15% of Illinoisans are in poverty and another 18% are close to it.

Food pantry officials say many seeking help are working full-time but still can't make ends meet.