One in six Americans live in poverty. The United States currently ranks 17th of 19 developed nations for highest rate of income disparity behind only Mexico and Turkey. Per the OCED (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), America has the highest rate of poverty among developed nations. These truly staggering statistics reveal a nation known for prosperity facing an unprecedented amount of struggle and penury.
Merriam-Webster defines poverty as “the state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of money or material possessions.” Dissecting this definition, it is interesting but very fitting that the term “socially acceptable” is used. Apart from the financial struggles, poverty also aims to take a direct hit …show more content…
Children facing poverty is more common than generally thought with one in four American children living in poverty. Not knowing where the next meal will come from or where to sleep at night is a terrifying predicament. Understandably this stress can have lasting effects on a young developing mind. The hard lives endured by impoverished children encounter sets up them up for failure. Poorer academic performance, higher dropout rates, and development of abusive and violent behavioral problems are just a few of the possible effects. Development of drug and alcohol abuse are also often associated with poverty stricken communities. In addition to all the afore mentioned issues, social exclusion is also a serious problem. Impoverished students may get bullied and isolated from peers because of clothing or financial standing. This type of exclusion only worsens their situation and furthers the feeling of …show more content…
One of the most widely used assistance programs is SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formally known as food stamps. Per the Food and Nutrition Service, by August of 2008 a record number of participation (non-disaster) peaked at 29 million people per month. Unfortunately, participation has since grown exponentially. Data provided by the Food and Nutrition Service pins the number at over 44 million participants per month for the fiscal year of 2016. This system often receives criticism and scrutiny by the general population because of the lack of limitations in place that allow for exploit. For example, many call for a random drug test to be implemented, preventing those who misuse the program from benefitting. The current arrangement also allows participants to claim unemployment and receive assistance even if there is no intention of searching for work. The lack of enacted restrictions allows for abuse of the system and misuse of tax payers’ dollars. On October 1, 2008, to combat stigma of the program, the Food Stamp Act of 1977 was changed to the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and the program itself became
Merriam-Webster defines poverty as “the state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of money or material possessions.” Dissecting this definition, it is interesting but very fitting that the term “socially acceptable” is used. Apart from the financial struggles, poverty also aims to take a direct hit …show more content…
Children facing poverty is more common than generally thought with one in four American children living in poverty. Not knowing where the next meal will come from or where to sleep at night is a terrifying predicament. Understandably this stress can have lasting effects on a young developing mind. The hard lives endured by impoverished children encounter sets up them up for failure. Poorer academic performance, higher dropout rates, and development of abusive and violent behavioral problems are just a few of the possible effects. Development of drug and alcohol abuse are also often associated with poverty stricken communities. In addition to all the afore mentioned issues, social exclusion is also a serious problem. Impoverished students may get bullied and isolated from peers because of clothing or financial standing. This type of exclusion only worsens their situation and furthers the feeling of …show more content…
One of the most widely used assistance programs is SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formally known as food stamps. Per the Food and Nutrition Service, by August of 2008 a record number of participation (non-disaster) peaked at 29 million people per month. Unfortunately, participation has since grown exponentially. Data provided by the Food and Nutrition Service pins the number at over 44 million participants per month for the fiscal year of 2016. This system often receives criticism and scrutiny by the general population because of the lack of limitations in place that allow for exploit. For example, many call for a random drug test to be implemented, preventing those who misuse the program from benefitting. The current arrangement also allows participants to claim unemployment and receive assistance even if there is no intention of searching for work. The lack of enacted restrictions allows for abuse of the system and misuse of tax payers’ dollars. On October 1, 2008, to combat stigma of the program, the Food Stamp Act of 1977 was changed to the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and the program itself became