U.S. Poverty Rate Drops, But Still Remains High
Washington, D.C. – New data released by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the poverty rate dropped from 14.8 percent in 2014 to 13.5 percent in 2015 (latest figures available). That means 3.5 million fewer people are living in poverty. Bread for the World is encouraged by this significant improvement, but points out that 43.1 million Americans are still living in poverty.
“While these new numbers are encouraging, far too many families are still living in poverty,” said Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World. “We need to elect leaders who will focus on ending poverty, and ensure that safety net programs for those struggling are fully funded.”
Poverty rates fell or remained unchanged for every demographic group. For African-Americans, the poverty rate fell from 26.2 percent in 2014 to 24.1 percent in 2015. For Latinos, it fell from 23.6 percent to 21.4 percent, and for female-headed families, the rate fell from 33.1 percent to 30.4 percent.
The official poverty rate does not account for most federal anti-poverty programs, which continue to keep millions of people out of poverty. Without the earned income tax credit and child tax credit, the official poverty rate would have been 2.9 percentage points higher. SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) kept 4.6 million people out of poverty in 2015, including 2 million children, and the school lunch program reduced poverty by 0.4 percent.
The best way to end poverty is to ensure people have access to jobs that provide a decent wage. In fact, the reduction in poverty can be attributed, in part, to a 5.2 percent increase in median household income – the first annual increase in median household income since 2007.
“Congress must make ending hunger a priority,” said Beckmann. “Lawmakers can start now by passing a fiscal year 2017 budget, working to create good-paying jobs, and strengthening the safety net so that families who hit a rough patch are not permanently left behind.
Tools
from our Resource Library
For Education
U.S. Hunger and Poverty State Fact Sheets
These fact sheets provide a snapshot of hunger and poverty in the United States and in each state plus Washington, D.C.
Fact Sheet: Hunger and Poverty in Puerto Rico
Even before Hurricanes Irma and Maria struck Puerto Rico, hunger and food insecurity were much more common among Puerto Ricans than among their fellow U.S. citizens in the 50 states.
Before...
Fact Sheet: Fortified for Life. How the U.S. Government Supports Global Nutrition.
Good nutrition is a critical part of ensuring that all human beings can use their bodies and minds to live an active life and reach their full potential.
For Faith
Unity Declaration on Racism and Poverty
A diverse body of Christian leaders calls on the churches and Congress to focus on the integral connection.
Dear Members of Congress,
As the president and Congress are preparing their plans for this year, almost 100 church leaders—from all the families of U.S. Christianity—are...
In Times Like These … A Pan-African Christian Devotional for Public Policy Engagement
This devotional guide invites deepened relationship with and among Pan-African people and elected leaders in the mission to end hunger and poverty.
Sermon by David Beckmann at Duke University Chapel
Remarks delivered October 1, 2017 at Duke University Chapel in Chapel Hill in North Carolina.
Thank you for inviting me to preach here at Duke University Chapel. And I especially want to thank the Bread for the World members who have come this morning.
Bruce Puckett urged...
For Advocacy
U.S. Hunger and Poverty State Fact Sheets
These fact sheets provide a snapshot of hunger and poverty in the United States and in each state plus Washington, D.C.
Fact Sheet: Hunger by the Numbers
In 2017, 11.8 percent of households in the U.S.—40 million people—were food-insecure, meaning that they were unsure at some point during the year about how they would provide for their next meal.
Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2017
Unnecessarily long prison sentences, combined with the lack of rehabilitative programs for people in prison, exacerbate hunger, poverty, and existing inequalities.
Overly harsh mandatory minimum prison sentences have contributed to the rapid increase of our country’s prison population. The...