Child Poverty in America Ranked 2nd Highest in Industrialized Nations

 

In today’s blog, Julian Omidi discusses the current epidemic of Child Poverty in the US.

America 2^nd Highest Child Poverty Rate in Industrialized World

The U.S. Census reported last month that 1 in 5 children are on food stamps. That means, a total of about 15 million U.S. children are living below the poverty level. That’s only a total of $24,000 in annual income for a family of four. This highlights the sad fact that the U.S. is ranked second for having the highest level of child poverty in the 35 industrialized nations. The question is, are we making progress?

Before the housing crash of 2007, a total of 1 in 8 children were receiving food stamps. So, it would appear we have made progress seeing how those numbers are down. However, in 2014 a total of sixteen million children received food-assistance program benefits compared to only nine millions in 2007. What is the impact of these startling statistics?

Impact of Child Poverty in the U.S.

What is so alarming about these statistics, is that the top 1% of American income earners are on track to own most of the world’s wealth by 2016. Yet, we only out rank Romania when it comes to child poverty? Let’s examine the implication of child poverty has for the future of our country.

The implications associated with child poverty cost a total of 3.8% of the GDP. That is roughly a half a trillion dollars a year. This is because of lost productivity, as well as health and crime costs.

Since 2007, the rate of children living with married parents who receive food stamps has doubled! This clearly shows that the problem, if not addressed, will only substantially get worse. We must do something.

Relieving Child Poverty as a Country

We can no longer turn a blind eye to this topic. The astronomical income gap is making it too apparent that some families are disadvantaged, and their children will need help. If you look towards our capital, there are huge debates on the solution. Both sides want the solution, but are unable to work together on the solution. We must advocate for these little ones in hunger. They, after all, are our nation’s future. If we do not find a way to alleviate these statistics, more children will grow up disenfranchised. That will lead to more cost to the government in the future due to likely costs from crime and poverty relief.

If we can learn to work together, we could be on our way to healing our nation as a whole. Individually, we all can make a difference by working with various charitable organizations that help feed hungry children, whether you donate your time or volunteer. You can also get involved in the political process, by writing you representatives and asking them to take action. There is no reason that a nation as great as America should be ranked second in child poverty.

Be good to each other,

Julian Omidi

(Julian Omidi, along with his brother, Dr. Michael Omidi, and mother, Cindy Omidi, are philanthropists who founded various charitable organizations including No More Poverty.)

 

New Report Cautions Effects of Child Poverty both Economic and Educational

Julian Omidi looks at findings that suggest the United States if encountering increasing negative effects associated with child poverty.

A new report published by the Educational Testing Service has found that the U.S. is facing worsening economic, social and educational standards – with more than one in five children living in poverty.  In fact, according to Bruce Baker, a Rutgers University Graduate School of Education professor, the achievement gap between impoverished and non-impoverished individuals is twice as large as that between the color of skin, such as black and white.

“… tracked differences in the cognitive performances of students in every age group show substantial differences by income or poverty status,” he added.  According to the study Bruce Baker co-authored, “ETS Reports Warns of Child Poverty and its Consequences,” the difference between impoverished and non-impoverished individuals undoubtedly contribute to the widening gap between those that attend and graduate college and those that do not.  This no doubt leads to limited economic standards and impairs social mobility, which only serves to further increase the difference in standards between the rich and poor.

If nothing is done soon then impoverished individuals will continue to be victims of social and economic stratification.  “Poverty and Education:  Finding the Way Forward,” a report on poverty in the U.S. estimates that the U.S. stands to lose $500 billion a year in lost or reduced tax revenue, lower income and other long-term effects.  In a list detailing the poverty rate between the thirty-five richest countries, the U.S. ranks second.

According to the study, most children that are poor come from a single-parent family, are more likely to be food insecure,  and are more likely to be exposed to lead and tobacco.  Plus, the educational opportunities for impoverished individuals are dwindling.  This stresses the country’s need for excellent teachers that are able to engage students, in addition to high-quality pre-school programs and equitable public school funding.

By Julian Omidi