The Census Bureau reported that over 46 million Americans lived in poverty in 2010. This is the highest number recorded in 52 years, since estimates have been published. Also in the report: Real median income for families dropped, the number of people insured through private insurance fell, and the number of people insured through the government increased.
46 Million also represents that number of Americans who receive SNAP benefits, commonly known as food stamps. Below are this year's federal poverty income guidelines (FPIG) from HHS. To qualify for SNAP, one's income must
be 130% or less than the FPIG. And let's not forget the millions who are
eligible, yet are not receiving, SNAP assistance.
The 2011 Poverty Guidelines
Persons in family Poverty Guideline
1- $10,890
2- 14,710
3- 18,530
4- 22,350
5- 26,170
6- 29,990
7- 33,810
8- 37,630
For families with more than 8 persons, add $3,820 for each additional person.
Persons in family Poverty Guideline
1- $10,890
2- 14,710
3- 18,530
4- 22,350
5- 26,170
6- 29,990
7- 33,810
8- 37,630
For families with more than 8 persons, add $3,820 for each additional person.
These numbers indicate that a vast segment of the population is suffering extreme hardship, and should be impossible to ignore. Yet many, mostly conservative legislators, want to cut the very programs that are keeping poverty in America from absolutely exploding. Despite the impassioned advocacy by many groups to
preserve and indeed expand funding, anti-poverty programs
remain on the chopping block as part of budget-balancing efforts.
And perhaps it is because advocates are framing the message the wrong way. Conservative legislators' adherence to a rigid economic ideology has made all arguments based on numbers (much less fact) useless. So let us change the contours of the debate, and create a new dialogue when we talk about poverty. We must begin to speak in the language of humanity, and base the need for action on human compassion. These 46 million Americans are not numbers or abstractions, and therefore shouldn't be addressed as such. They have stories. They have families. They are living in our communities. If we fail to come to the aid of these people, we will face not only the economic consequences, but the moral consequences as well. And our legislators must become aware of this. Let's begin to tell the stories of these 46 million, and hope that truth and kindness prevail.
Well said. Stating that children will go to bed tonight wondering if their family will have enough food for them in the morning is a lot more powerful than using phrases like "food insecurity" or "poor nutrition rates".
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. The phrases you mentioned portray the issue of hunger as if it just arose without any explanation. They seem tailored to avoid blaming the people or policies that have contributed to, or at least diverted resources away from, the problem.
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