Idaho the Hungry State
Idaho is facing a problem experienced by many other states; wages are either declining or stagnating. The cost of living is increasing and more and more families are being forced into poverty. In this state, many low-income families are finding it hard to make ends meet. They are stretching inadequate budgets to cover the rising cost of housing, utilities, food, and without the proper nutrition hunger can pose a threat to our children's health in later years. Unfortunately, they are losing the battle and many families are making the choice to go hungry. When a family falls prey to poverty they also fall prey to hunger as well. In a recent survey taken statewide by the Idaho Community Action Network, it has been confirmed that large proportions of low-income families suffer from hunger. The results are outstanding and quite hard to believe. The facts are as follows: *Fifty eight percent of adults and 46% of children said that they were hungry in the previous month because their family did not have enough money for food. * Sixty percent of adults and 33% of children had skipped meals or eaten less at least once in the previous month because
In numbers that's roughly over 47,000 people in Idaho going to bed without proper nutritious meals or food due to lack of money. One significant factor contributing to a family falling into poverty is the rise of housing and utility costs. Housing cost is taking up a large portion of low-income families' budgets. In Idaho a family with a two-bedroom house has to earn about $9.25 an hour just to pay their housing cost. In order to keep a roof over their heads many families are forced to make sacrifices such as eating less or not paying a utility bill. Low-income families in Idaho are also being squeezed by higher energy cost. The estimated the average residential consumer will see about a $12.00 per month increase in their power bill. Although low-income households often consume less energy than the average household does, the income burden of energy cost on those households is almost twice that of average households. Rising energy and housing prices squeeze family budgets, leaving them hungry and susceptible to health problems. *Between 57% and 62% of families surveyed said they could only provide balanced, nutritious breakfasts, lunches, or dinners three times a week at the most. More than 20% of those surveyed said they could never afford to provide a balanced, nutritious breakfast or lunch during the week.
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 978
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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