Study: Food stamps keep people out of poverty
By Nancy Shute, NPR
Food stamps have long been are a favorite whipping boy of politicians looking to beat up on government spending. But the massive food-assistance program does help keep people out of poverty, according to new research.
Food stamp benefits led to decline of 4.4 percent in poverty from 2000 to 2009, according to a new report from the USDA’s Economic Research Service.
The impact was particularly strong for children, who are more likely to live in poverty than adults. Child poverty was reduced by 15.5 percent, on average. The researchers also looked at the depth and severity of poverty, and found that severity was reduced by 21 percent. They say looking at this gives a better measure of the role of food stamps in improving the lives of Americans, compared to just a straight look at the poverty rate.
In 2009, 21 percent of all children, or 15.5 million, lived in poverty. That’s up from 16 percent in 2001, an increase attributed to the economic downturn.And that’s including the buffering effect of food stamps.
This is a good program which I know has helped many people. Some people abuse it and a better means of tracking and stopping the abuse without hurting those truely in need should be investigated.
Let’s see. If you get money from heaven their is less chance you will be in poverty. Reasonable assumption.
BTW, who did this study? The organization responsible for its implementation. How nice.