Should America provide more funding for SNAP? If so, how much of an increase? If not, how does the current funding seem appropriate?
I think SNAP should receive an annual increase in funding from the federal government until it's no longer needed. According to a survey done by the U.S. Department of Agriculture the more members you have in your family the less money you get and the amount has dropped gradually since 2009. Eligibility for SNAP is based on a $25,400 gross income, the average American consumes 972,000 calories a year, and the median household income is $51,000 as of 2013 according to CNN, all the while the poverty rate is 15% that means people who rely on SNAP can't afford a 2700 calorie daily diet without SNAP. So it's self defeating as a nation to cut funding to programs like these.
How should Americans define “food insecurity?” How should Americans define “starving? What solutions can Americans use to overcome food insecurity and starving in America?
I think food insecurities and childhood obesity go hand in hand and as Americans we should be aware of the dangers that inadequate nutrition for our kids possess. I think starving in America is far from that of starving in a third world country but never the less its still an issue that should be focused on and done away with.
As Americans I think we can over come food insecurities and starving by making the subsidize small food shelters and food banks until they are no longer needed.
Do you live in a food desert? How can America feed people who live in food deserts?
I personally don't live in a food desert, there are many places in my neighborhood to get fresh organic fruits and vegetables for a reasonable price. I think America can feed these people living far from stores with nutritional foods by allowing more farms to grow in these areas therefore cutting the travel distance and maintaining healthy foods in these areas.
Should America rely on charities to feed the hungry? How much of a reliance?
I think at this point there isn't much of a choice especially for people who rely on these services for everyday use, and if 100% reliance on charities is whats needed, I don't think the people that donate to these places would mind much as long as they're helping out.
In what ways can America better subsidize the farming industry and its crop production?
If you drive across Americas heartland you can see the toll subsidized agriculture does to the "mom and pop" farms, they're virtually being ran out of business or being forced to farm something else. I this if the federal government spread out the money even it would give local farmers a chance to flourish and grow crops locally causing more local foods to be grown and possibly ending the food desert problem.
What are the most common myths and misconceptions about those who depend on food banks and other food assistance programs?
When we as Americans think of people who utilize the services of food banks and others, we tend to visualize a homeless person, or someone with 10 kids in a one bedroom apartment, but like the documentary A Place at the Table showed even a policeman can be the one in line for assistance, its strictly based on the situation you find yourself in.
I think SNAP should receive an annual increase in funding from the federal government until it's no longer needed. According to a survey done by the U.S. Department of Agriculture the more members you have in your family the less money you get and the amount has dropped gradually since 2009. Eligibility for SNAP is based on a $25,400 gross income, the average American consumes 972,000 calories a year, and the median household income is $51,000 as of 2013 according to CNN, all the while the poverty rate is 15% that means people who rely on SNAP can't afford a 2700 calorie daily diet without SNAP. So it's self defeating as a nation to cut funding to programs like these.
How should Americans define “food insecurity?” How should Americans define “starving? What solutions can Americans use to overcome food insecurity and starving in America?
I think food insecurities and childhood obesity go hand in hand and as Americans we should be aware of the dangers that inadequate nutrition for our kids possess. I think starving in America is far from that of starving in a third world country but never the less its still an issue that should be focused on and done away with.
As Americans I think we can over come food insecurities and starving by making the subsidize small food shelters and food banks until they are no longer needed.
Do you live in a food desert? How can America feed people who live in food deserts?
I personally don't live in a food desert, there are many places in my neighborhood to get fresh organic fruits and vegetables for a reasonable price. I think America can feed these people living far from stores with nutritional foods by allowing more farms to grow in these areas therefore cutting the travel distance and maintaining healthy foods in these areas.
Should America rely on charities to feed the hungry? How much of a reliance?
I think at this point there isn't much of a choice especially for people who rely on these services for everyday use, and if 100% reliance on charities is whats needed, I don't think the people that donate to these places would mind much as long as they're helping out.
In what ways can America better subsidize the farming industry and its crop production?
If you drive across Americas heartland you can see the toll subsidized agriculture does to the "mom and pop" farms, they're virtually being ran out of business or being forced to farm something else. I this if the federal government spread out the money even it would give local farmers a chance to flourish and grow crops locally causing more local foods to be grown and possibly ending the food desert problem.
What are the most common myths and misconceptions about those who depend on food banks and other food assistance programs?
When we as Americans think of people who utilize the services of food banks and others, we tend to visualize a homeless person, or someone with 10 kids in a one bedroom apartment, but like the documentary A Place at the Table showed even a policeman can be the one in line for assistance, its strictly based on the situation you find yourself in.