In the United States in 2007:
37.3 million people (12.5%) were in poverty.
13.3 million children under the age of 18 (18%) were in poverty.
3.6 million seniors ages 65 and older (9.7%) were in poverty.
36.2 million Americans (23.8 million adults and 12.4 million children) lived in food-insecure households.
3.9 million of all U.S. households (3.4%) accessed emergency food from a food pantry one or more times.
Source: Feeding America (feedingamerica.org/faces-of-hunger/hunger-101/hunger-and-poverty-statistics.aspx) Also from Christianity Today
2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)
9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
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5 comments:
And what of the United States of Australia?
Hello Commissioner Jim - thank you for your blog - always thought-provoking!
Tonight, I was struck by the words "food-insecure households", a phrase I had not seen written before. As I consider those words many possible scenarios come to mind and in each instance I have been drawn to consider the emotional & physical toll on the adults, the children - and the diverse communities in which they live.
Here in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, we see many "food-insecure households" , and as I speak to the adults, and meet the children, they articulate (with words, expressions, tears, sighs and anger - and some smiles!) the physical and emotional toll being exacted.
I am constantly thankful to God, this community and the funding bodies for the provision of aid that enables us to assist in a practical ways. I remain thankful for the privelege and opportunity to serve the people, and most importantly God in this place. Thanks again, God Bless! LynnJ
Yes, some huge figures there - what about Australian figures??
Thanks, all. I'll see if we can find some Aussie numbers.
The point isn't however, the US. The point is that poverty exists in great numbers in countries that are considered wealthy.
Maybe poverty exists in all countries, the wealthy countries have less poverty, and the poor countries more poverty.
I personally believe its more important to provide for those in 3rd world countries, as they have less opportunities and less income than we do.
Those who struggle in 1st world countries are supported by the government and agencies such as the Salvation Army, and have access to opportunities that are not present in the 3rd world.
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