Food Stamp Numbers Indicate Sharp Rise In Suburban Poverty

When you think about poverty, do you picture the suburbs? New data suggests that you should.

1 minute read

September 4, 2013, 11:00 AM PDT

According to the Brookings Institution, the percentage of suburban residents receiving food stamps increased from 50 to 55 percent between 2007 to 2011. While that change may not sound impressive, Matthew O’Brien writes, it’s startling when put a different way. That is, while total food stamp use during the recession increased by 69 percent in urban areas, total food stamp use in the suburbs went up by a whopping 200 percent.

“The Great Recession accelerated the rise of a new geography of poverty,” O’Brien writes. “Homes that were supposed to . . . lead to the American dream lead to financial ruin instead.”

Read the full story: Over 50% of Food Stamp Recipients Live in the Suburbs

Friday, August 30, 2013 in The Atlantic

Social / Demographics United States Poverty Suburbs Food Stamps SNAP Brookings Institution View More

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