Nearly 50% of US kids on food stamps at some point during childhood

[Generic Other]

<snip>
(CBS/AP) Nearly half of all U.S. children and 90 percent of black youngsters will be on food stamps at some point during childhood, and fallout from the current recession could push those numbers even higher, researchers say.

The estimate comes from an analysis of 30 years of national data, and it bolsters other recent evidence on the pervasiveness of youngsters at economic risk. It suggests that almost everyone knows a family who has received food stamps, or will in the future, said lead author Mark Rank, a sociologist at Washington University in St. Louis.

"Your neighbor may be using some of these programs but it's not the kind of thing people want to talk about," Rank said.

The analysis was released Monday in the November issue of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. The authors say it's a medical issue pediatricians need to be aware of because children on food stamps are at risk for malnutrition and other ills linked with poverty.

"This is a real danger sign that we as a society need to do a lot more to protect children," Rank said. <snip>

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/03/national/main5504471.shtml


Our country has become Dickensian. This is so disturbing.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

1. I didn't get food stamps, but I did get government cheese and peanut butter back in the 80s.

My grandma would take me and my cousin a couple of miles to stand in line for it.

[Generic Other]

5. And every child who was ever fed was an investment in our country's future

I don't understand why we aren't happy to do these things. I just feel sad that the need is so great and our lawmakers so miserly. Our government's priorities so messed up. So many people who have made a virtue of their greed. Shameful behavior.

I am GLAD I live in a country that doesn't allow children to starve to death. Caring for the needs of those less fortunate than us is not evil. Investing in the future of this country by feeding children today is worth the price.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

7. Agree absolutely.

[bobbolink]

15. I'm very glad to hear you say that. HOWEVER, this is a signal that something is very wrong!

AND, as with Walmart, I think this is another government prop of business, which doesn't pay its workers enough.

ALSO, the military pay 9s so poor that high percentage of military families are on food stamps. That is just WRONG!

[virgogal]

2. Why would the use of food stamps be a risk for malnutrition---isn't

the whole point to prevent it?

A friend of mine needed food stamps many years ago and they were a great help. Got them through a very rough patch and kept the kids fed and healthy.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

3. It's funny though...in a class I took last year, we were talking about food stamps

90% of the class sat there and argued that food stamps were for lazy people and were socialism. But so many of them would preface by saying "*I* was on foodstamps, but *I* got off them. Most people misuse them, blah blah blah".

[virgogal]

4. No one worked harder than my friend and her husband but they never

made much money and had 4 kids. Food stamps were an absolute blessing.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

6. I think that's the case for most people.

Yes, there are some people who abuse the system. But most do not. And despite knowing that *they* didn't abuse the system, these kids still believed that everyone else must be abusing the system. It was just more "It's wrong for everyone else but me" attitude.

[bobbolink]

18. Yes, that is America in the 21st century. The superiority trip...

And, guess what... DU is no exception in that.

:(

[Generic Other]

10. Repubs have made sure food stamp program merely or barely provides basics

Does anyone doubt that there are children that go hungry every night in this country?

[NMMNG]

14. The average monthly food-stamp benefit currently

is around $101/person and $227 for a 4-person household. That averages out to a maximum of $3.36 per person per day. Just try to create a filling, nutritious diet off of that (particularly in an inner-city environment when you don't have discount supermarkets close by).

[bobbolink]

17. Why? If you actually look at what is alloted, and their "sample menus" you will find the answer to

that question.

It is intended to keep people from starving... not to be nutritious.

[luvspeas]

8. and everybody that needed it was happy to get it...

speaking as one of those that needed it and got it. I wish the conservatives would not take this so lightly. It's not weakness to get something you need when times are bad.

I also agree that when we have it, we should be happy to give some to those who don't. that what makes me really happy today.

[Generic Other]

11. I doubt the 50% number divides by party lines

Republicans' children get hungry too. Their parents split up, lose jobs, get sick just like Democrats' kids. This is a bipartisan issue in my opinion. Just as important as health care.

[stray cat]

9. I love that my tax dollars go toward food stamps, disability and WIC

also free or subsidized school lunches. All great investments and I'm glad they are available

[Generic Other]

12. Good for you! It speaks highly of your character and generosity

Americans are decent people, but sometimes we need to be reminded. I am thankful to be able to post the "good news" that 50% of kids got help when they needed it rather than posting that 50% starved because we turned our backs! I wish the economic situation was not so gloomy and that more Americans could be lifted out of poverty using my tax money. Best investment I could make.

[Orwellian_Ghost]

13. Staggering

[Selatius]

16. Given the way wages don't keep with inflation, I guarantee you it will surpass 60% at some point.

Ever since the labor unions were crippled, people in this country lost a bargaining chip against the powerful corporate interests that are enthroned on Wall Street.