The Growing Threat of Food Insecurity in America

The Growing Threat of Food Insecurity in America
By BRUCE WATSON Posted 9:00 AM 11/08/10



When discussing the Great Recession, there are two standards for measuring its impact on the average household. The first is unemployment, which is currently hovering at 9.6%, down from a high of 10.1% in October 2009. The second is foreclosures, which hit a 50-year high in 2007 and have risen every year since then.

For much of the past three years, the recession narrative has been told in terms of these two dire numbers, showing how a failing economy has made it harder and harder to cling to the middle-class ideal of homeownership and a steady job. Recently, however, a third, even more disturbing figure has gained relevance: the number of Americans on food stamps.

Food Stamp Use Explodes

Food stamps, officially titled the Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), are often used by out-of-work breadwinners, for whom they can be a lifeline after unemployment benefits run out. However, food stamps are actually designed to help working families that aren't bringing home enough food to feed all their members. In this context, the program's size reflects not only unemployment but also underemployment -- the workers whose jobs don't pay enough to put food on the table.

[ylexot]

In this context, the program's size reflects not only unemployment but also underemployment -- the workers whose jobs don't pay enough to put food on the table.

It also reflects people who don't prioritize food over cable TV, phone, and internet.

[NCalif]

Originally Posted by ylexot

It also reflects people who don't prioritize food over cable TV, phone, and internet.

Bingo! But why should they when their gubmit will feed them?

[TurboK9]

Originally Posted by ylexot

It also reflects people who don't prioritize food over cable TV, phone, and internet.

My rent for a modest 3BR is 1400. Max unemployment is what, 480 a week here? So typically 1940 a month? Electric, 200... that leaves 340 after rent. Car insurance, 120 a month... that's 220.... now I can't make a car payment, so I'm a deadbeat who doesn't pay his bills...

MD is high end UE bennies nationally. Heck, FL is 275 a week I think, max. Cable has nothing to do with it. Welcome to recession America.

[ylexot]

Originally Posted by TurboK9

My rent for a modest 3BR is 1400. Max unemployment is what, 480 a week here? So typically 1940 a month? Electric, 200... that leaves 340 after rent. Car insurance, 120 a month... that's 220.... now I can't make a car payment, so I'm a deadbeat who doesn't pay his bills...

MD is high end UE bennies nationally. Heck, FL is 275 a week I think, max. Cable has nothing to do with it. Welcome to recession America.

Get a cheaper apartment. My 15-year mortgage is $1600/month. Conserve energy. My monthly electric bill for the house is less than $200. Get cheaper insurance. My insurance for two cars and a house is less than $120/month. Can't afford the car payment? Sell it and buy a cheaper one (this could also decrease your insurance).

[migtig]

Originally Posted by ylexot

It also reflects people who don't prioritize food over cable TV, phone, and internet.

I definitely prioritize food. I think I need another freezer.