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Poverty in Ohio
Hunger
is a condition of poverty. Despite the comparative wealth of our nation and Ohio’s multi-billion dollar economy,
poverty exists, and with it, food insecurity. While many want to believe that there is no longer poverty in our
society, the fact is that over 18 percent of Ohio’s children and 16 percent of families with children live below
poverty2. This is devastating, as living below poverty can put tremendous
strains on families as they are often forced to choose between some of life’s most basic necessities -- shelter,
health care, education, heat and food. Sadly, food is often the first to be sacrificed. Low-income familes who
don't have the financial means to purchase food first reduced the quality of their diets and eventually the quantity
of food, as well.
Poverty is federally
defined as income that falls belwo the federal poverty level. In Ohio, that means families are considered poor
if their annual income is below $15,670. Sadly, in order for a family member to obtain a job sufficient to exceed
the poverty level, it must pay at least $7.54 per hour -- that is, 46% higher than the new minimum wage in Ohio.3
Research shows that, on average, it takes an income of at least twice the poverty level to cover a family’s
most basic expense.
9.9% of families live below poverty
16% of families with children live below poverty
19.9% of families with children under 5 live in poverty
13% of people live in poverty
18.6% of children under 18 live in poverty
22.8% of children under 5 live in poverty
Source: American Community Survey 2005 Data Profile. General Demographic Characteristics. Selected Economic
Characteristics, U.S. Census Bureau.
Hunger
is a condition of poverty. Despite the comparative wealth of our nation and Ohio’s multi-billion dollar economy,
poverty exists, and with it, food insecurity. While many want to believe that there is no longer poverty in our
society, the fact is that over 18 percent of Ohio’s children and 16 percent of families with children live below
poverty
Poverty is federally
defined as income that falls belwo the federal poverty level. In Ohio, that means families are considered poor
if their annual income is below $15,670. Sadly, in order for a family member to obtain a job sufficient to exceed
the poverty level, it must pay at least $7.54 per hour -- that is, 46% higher than the new minimum wage in Ohio.
