Poverty Crisis Here? presented by Joe Q. Student AWW - 18 November 2008

In America they’re 31 million Americans in poverty, 12 million in which are children.In America they’re 31 million Americans in poverty, 12 million in which are children. The children who live in poverty live with families that have an income of below $6500 a year, which is less than $6 a day per person for a family of three.The children who live in poverty live with families that have an income of below $6500 a year, which is less than $6 a day per person for a family of three. This could be because some say that poverty isn’t a problem in America. However poverty amongst Americans is increasing everyday especially among children.This could be because some say that poverty isn’t a problem in America. However poverty amongst Americans is increasing everyday especially among children.

OPPOSING VIEWPOINT The Department of Health and Human Services claims that about 96% of American families say that they have “enough food to eat” while 3% say “sometimes” and only a half of 1% say they “often don’t have enough food.” (CQ Researcher).The Department of Health and Human Services claims that about 96% of American families say that they have “enough food to eat” while 3% say “sometimes” and only a half of 1% say they “often don’t have enough food.” (CQ Researcher). Surprisingly almost half the people in poverty who say they don’t have enough food are overweight.Surprisingly almost half the people in poverty who say they don’t have enough food are overweight.

Those in poverty actually are more likely to be overweight; almost half of adult women living in poverty are overweight. Obesity is also increasing rapidly among American children in poverty.Those in poverty actually are more likely to be overweight; almost half of adult women living in poverty are overweight. Obesity is also increasing rapidly among American children in poverty. Children in poverty take in more than 200 percent of the recommended protein daily. So overall those in poverty actually get more nutrients and proteins then the recommended amount, resulting in obesity for those in poverty.Children in poverty take in more than 200 percent of the recommended protein daily. So overall those in poverty actually get more nutrients and proteins then the recommended amount, resulting in obesity for those in poverty.

POVERTY&OBESITY Even though research shows (CQ Researcher) that half of those who say don’t have enough food are obese, this isn’t because they aren’t really in poverty its because they are having so much trouble providing food for themselves, that they do not get a balanced amount of meals everyday.Even though research shows (CQ Researcher) that half of those who say don’t have enough food are obese, this isn’t because they aren’t really in poverty its because they are having so much trouble providing food for themselves, that they do not get a balanced amount of meals everyday. Those who live in poverty get scarce and random amount of nutrients/food, this can create obesity problems.Those who live in poverty get scarce and random amount of nutrients/food, this can create obesity problems.

The federal government’s estimate of poverty/food insecurity within America has been increasing over the years, various studies by non-governmental organizations and academics have established significant rates of increase in poverty. An example is the Urban Institute’s National Survey of America’s Families which found that “half of all families at 200 percent of poverty and below had concerns with food shortages or difficulty obtaining food.”

FOOD WASTED In America each year about 100 billion pounds of food is wasted. Recently according to “America’s Second Harvest” just this year 41 billion pounds of food has been wasted.

CHILDREN LIVING IN POVERTY Everyday 2660 children are born into poverty, and 27 children a day die because of it.Everyday 2660 children are born into poverty, and 27 children a day die because of it. Children in poverty are lacking in 10 to 16 critical nutrients necessary for normal growth/development.Children in poverty are lacking in 10 to 16 critical nutrients necessary for normal growth/development. When Children grow up in Poverty they often end up having troubles that last their entire life.When Children grow up in Poverty they often end up having troubles that last their entire life.

CHILD POVERTY IS INCREASING EVERDAY IN AMERICA

Children everyday in America are dealing with poverty. As a country we need to stop this growing crisis, and figure out a way to help these children and families living in poverty.

WORKS CITED O’Brien, Doug. “Is there a real Hunger Problem in America?” The CQ researcher online December Hopkins High School Media Center. 4 Sep procon&level=2&values=Poverty+and+HomelessnessO’Brien, Doug. “Is there a real Hunger Problem in America?” The CQ researcher online December Hopkins High School Media Center. 4 Sep procon&level=2&values=Poverty+and+Homelessness procon&level=2&values=Poverty+and+Homelessness procon&level=2&values=Poverty+and+Homelessness Rector, Robert. “Is there a Real Hunger Problem in America?” The CQ researcher online December Hopkins High School Media Center. 4 Sep procon&level=2&values=Poverty+and+HomelessnessRector, Robert. “Is there a Real Hunger Problem in America?” The CQ researcher online December Hopkins High School Media Center. 4 Sep procon&level=2&values=Poverty+and+Homelessness procon&level=2&values=Poverty+and+Homelessness procon&level=2&values=Poverty+and+Homelessness “Children in Poverty, America’s ongoing war.” Hearts and Minds Network, Creative Commons at - online 1997, latest changes March 31, 2007“Children in Poverty, America’s ongoing war.” Hearts and Minds Network, Creative Commons at - online 1997, latest changes March 31, 2007