Poverty

Poverty
America is considered tobe one of the wealthiest countries in the world, yet statistics proven during 2008,2009, and 2010 that poverty has increased dramatically. In 2008 17 million households or 14.6% of households, approximately 1 in 7 were food insecure. The highest number ever recorded in the United States. Food insecure is a condition that arises from a lack of enough income and other resources for food. Most single parents suffer from food insecurity.
Why is it that a country which donates so much to social programs such as charities to help provide food clothing and shelter for others allows millions of citizens to go to bed without food? Is it that people are not seeking assistance or the public is not aware of the existence of these social programs? Should charitable organizations make it easier for the public to receive assistance or should the government remove structural barriers which help to ease impoverished living.
Research done by the ERS. and others, has shown that states with higher rates of food insecurity generally have these characteristics: higher than average unemployment rates, high cost of housing and utilities relative to income, and higher than average poverty rates.
Why does a country with such vast resources have such high numbers of citizens suffering from food insecurity? Do people feel ashamed to ask for help because they don’t want to feel devalued, and why is it that when applying for government assistance so much personal information is required that people feel ashamed and resist requesting help? Most minorities suffer from food insecurity.