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Press Release: Nearly 1/3 of Alabama households with children unable to afford enough food during 2009-10

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

Hunger impacts children’s ability to concentrate, learn in school

Nearly one-third, or 32 percent, of households with children in Alabama reported not having enough money to buy food that they or their family needed at some point during the prior twelve months, according to a new report released by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), Food Hardship in America 2010: Households with and without Children.

This report provides data on food hardship – the inability to afford enough food. During 2009-10:

  • 32 percent of Alabama households with children said they were unable to afford enough food, the second highest among the 50 states.
  • The Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) households with children had a food hardship rate of 23.4 percent in 2010, the 10th highest rate among the nation’s 100 largest MSAs.
  • In the 7th Congressional District, 45.0 percent of households with children reported food hardship, the highest in the state and the 3rd highest in the nation.
  • In the 1st Congressional District, 34.8 percent of households with children reported food hardship, the 2nd highest in the state and the 19th highest in the nation.
  • In the 2nd Congressional District, 33.1 percent of households with children reported food hardship, 3rd highest in the state and the 32nd highest in the nation.

“When children don’t have enough to eat, they have a harder time concentrating and performing well in school,” said Kristina Scott, Executive Director of the Alabama Poverty Project.  “Research indicates that for young children, even mild undernutrition negatively impacts their behavior, their school performance, and their overall cognitive development.”

The data were gathered as part of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. Specific to this analysis, people were asked, “Have there been times in the past twelve months when you did not have enough money to buy food that you or your family needed?” The data gathered by Gallup were analyzed by FRAC.

“Hunger is not always visible, and thus people may be skeptical that it exists in their communities.  This report bears witness to the fact that Alabamians struggle to feed their families,” said Scott.

The full report is available at www.frac.org

Posted in Census Stats on Poverty, community, education, environment, health, Hunger and Food Insecurity, Hunger and Food Security, Making A Difference, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Higher Ed & Tornado Response: 2011 Summer Higher Education Workshop

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

Last Wednesday, nearly 70 people attended our Higher Education Alliance Summer Workshop and Annual Meeting to share resources and ideas on how to incorporate tornado recovery into students’ service-learning experiences.

Take-aways from the workshop included:

(1)   Tornado Recovery Is Not a Sprint; It Is a Marathon: This is a 3-5 year process, and low-income individuals are particularly vulnerable to such disasters due to their place and type of residence, building construction, and social exclusion. And in addition to its physical impact, disasters also result in great psychological impact.

(2)   Increase Awareness: Educate and involve your students, faculty, employees, co-workers, communities, and peers in relief and recovery.

(3)   Involve Those Around You: Build disaster relief and recovery programs on your campuses utilizing outreach and service-learning.

(4)   Form Partnerships and Relationships: With recovery groups, such as FEMA and Long-Term Recovery Committees. These are vitally important in creating a sustainable recovery.

(5)   Network, Coordinate, and Collaborate: With other agencies and student, community, and faith organizations.

(6)   Reflect, Reevaluate, and Reassess: Save time, expense, and energy while increasing efficiency and effectiveness.

(7)   Prepare for the Future: Alabama is the sixth most tornado-prone state (and seventh most disaster-prone state).

Here is the story of the day in pictures:

The day kicks off at 10, and after our Executive Director Kristina Scott welcomes the crowd and presents “Repairing Alabama After the Tornadoes,” giving context to the day:

Dr. Brenda Phillips, Professor with the Center for the Study of Disasters and Extreme Events at Oklahoma State University, gives the keynote address, Disaster Learning and Service Learning, followed by Q&A:

After lunch, attendees gather to hear presentations from APP partners including:

Gus Heard-Hughes, Director of Initiatives of the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, discusses the CFGB’s work funding case managers for tornado victims and providing long-term recovery assistance in the wake of April 2011 tornadoes in his presentation,  “Long-term Recovery Committees and Case Management”:

Wellon Bridgers and Kathryn Merritt, of The University Fellows Experience present “Transforming a Black Belt Experience into The Experience”:

Next, Phi Theta Kappa and Northwest-Shoals Community College (Phil Campbell) present “That’s Why It’s Called a Community College: Northwest-Shoals College and Phil Campbell”:

Finally, attendees conclude the workshop with small group discussions and reflection:

Thank you for the great feedback. Emily Myers of Auburn described the event as “cutting-edge,” Creston Lynch of the University of Alabama as “dynamic,” and Dennis Itson of Faulkner University as “an enhancement to our university’s programs.”

Our Hess Fellow David Olsen served as the program coordinator for the workshop.  Many thanks to him and everyone else who came together to make this workshop a great success.

To learn more about Tornado Recovery, Vulnerable Populations, and what you can do to address these issues in your community check out these resources:

Poverty and Economic Security

Disaster Recovery

FEMA Resources

Case Management Resources

Presentations

 

 

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Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Scenes from the field: Dressing Up! Tuscaloosa

Tuesday, July 19th, 2011

Dressing Up! Tuscaloosa was a relief effort through which clothing manufacturer Alfred Dunner donated 700 boxes of women’s clothing to tornado victims.

According to Sociologists Alice Fothergill and Lori A. Peek, studies have “found that poorer people and those with larger families are more likely to report emotional problems following a disaster.” 

Dressing Up! Tuscaloosa reduced the extraordinary stress caused by the storm by providing women with a stress-free environment to ‘shop’ for donated items.  The program also featured a way for the women to care for themselves with massages and makeovers.

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Meet the interns, part three: Alec Niedenthal

Monday, July 18th, 2011

Here’s the last of our Meet the Interns series.  Our Hess Fellow, David Olsen, interviewed Intern Alec Niedenthal, and here’s what they talked about:

You grew up in Mountain Brook, AL. What was your favorite part about growing up there?

My friends taught me that humility and doubt are virtues.

You study philosophy at New College of Florida. What about philosophy interests you so much?

I’m not sure. I know that no matter how hard I work at philosophy—and I’ve worked very hard—I don’t, for better or for worse, have talent enough to pursue it. But at every turn, it’s a deeply rewarding discipline. I read Kant’s Critique of Judgment in January and thought, “This is the most exciting thing I could be doing right now. This book alone could save the world. “  And I still think it could. Who knows, maybe it will.

Have you had any part in service-learning or advocacy programs in college?

No, stupidly and to my detriment. APP is my first experience with anything involving service-learning or advocacy.

Is there a favorite class or professor that has really made an impact on you?

I’ve taken nine classes with one professor, which is a lot even at my small school. Those classes gave me a conscience.

What led you to intern at the Alabama Poverty Project?

A seminar on Hegel and Marx and a newfound concern for my home state. I’ve been vaguely troubled by the fact of poverty and its systematic side, and perhaps this class led me to concrete activism through my internship at APP.

If you could be on any reality television show, what would it be and why?

I don’t really know. It’s a shame that I can’t choose a sitcom because that’s what I watch. Roseanne is a hero, and I’d trade her whatever I have to give—which isn’t much—for a chance to have a beer together.

If you were a candy bar which would you be?

Snickers, but the ice cream version.

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Doop from X-Force has always been my favorite comic book character. He’s a small green clump of something who is apparently the strongest and most dynamic character in the Marvel Universe.  So I’d be whatever he is. In our age of iPads, calisthenics and excess, who can be content with a single super power?

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Meet the interns, part two: Samford’s Matthew Bracey

Friday, July 15th, 2011

We asked Matthew to introduce himself, and here’s what he came up with:

My name is Matthew Steven Bracey, and I have just begun working with APP. I am originally from Ashland City, Tennessee, and I love the outdoors. Backpacking, camping, fishing, hiking, running: these sorts of activities make my day. Running in particular has become one of my favorite activities as of late; it is a great stress reliever. I also enjoy film, reading, and writing.

Currently, I am pursuing a J.D. from Cumberland School of Law and an M.T.S. from Beeson Divinity School at Samford University. I expect to finish in May 2012. This summer I will work as a Law and Policy Intern with APP. During my time here, I will produce reports, develop policies, and conduct research—among other duties.

When I made the decision to pursue the study and practice of law, my aim was to use it to help people in need. This is still my aim, and I believe that my work with the APP will allow me to do just that. I am excited to be working with APP, and am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to its broader mission.

Matthew is a great addition to Team APP and plans to see Harry Potter this weekend.

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REVISED-HIGH POVERTY AREAS HIT HARD BY TORNADOES: 36 of 42 Counties on disaster list have above-average poverty

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

BIRMINGHAM – 36 of the 42 Alabama counties that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared eligible for individual disaster assistance have poverty rates higher than the national average.

“Natural disasters hit high poverty communities the hardest,” says Kristina Scott, Executive Director of the Alabama Poverty Project (APP).  “They are more vulnerable to personal injury and property damage when a storm hits, have fewer financial resources and are more likely to experience severe mental health impacts, including post-traumatic stress disorder.”

According to the US Census Bureau, 14.3 percent of Americans live below the federal poverty threshold.  The poverty threshold is determined by age and number of people in a household and was $21,954 for a two-adult, two-child household in 2009, the most recent year for which poverty data is available.

The Census Bureau also reports that 17.5 percent of Alabamians live in poverty.  Fourteen of the tornado-impacted counties have poverty rates greater than 20 percent, including Chambers (20.7 percent), Choctaw (22.8 percent), Clarke (29.1 percent), DeKalb (21.7 percent), Franklin (21.8 percent), Greene (28.4 percent), Hale (26.6 percent), Marengo (24.9 percent), Marion (21.2 percent), Monroe (23.4 percent), Perry (31 percent), Pickens (28 percent), Sumter (35.1 percent) and Winston Counties (24.9 percent).  A full list of impacted counties with key poverty data is attached.  More information is also available on the APP website at http://alabamapossible.org/datasheet/.

In their 2004 report “Poverty and Disasters in the United States,” Sociologists Alice Fothergill and Lori Peek conclude that while poor individuals are more likely to perceive hazards as risky, they are less likely to prepare for hazards or buy insurance; less likely to respond to warnings; more likely to die, suffer injuries, and have proportionately higher material losses; have more psychological trauma; and face more obstacles during the phases of response, recovery, and reconstruction.

In response to the catastrophic tornadoes, APP is compiling resources for individuals to give, volunteer and advocate for those impacted by the storms.  They are regularly updated and available at http://alabamapossible.org/tornadorelief.

About the Alabama Poverty Project:

Alabama is the sixth poorest state in the nation. The Alabama Poverty Project (APP) mobilizes Alabamians to eliminate poverty through strategic relationships with faith communities, higher education institutions and civic organizations. For information and resources, visit our website, http://alabamapossible.org.

###

Poverty Rate
All Persons 1 Children 2 Seniors 2 Female Headed Households 2
United States 14.3% 20.0% 9.7% 37.1%
Alabama 17.5% 24.6% 11.8% 45.1%
Autauga 11.2% 16.2% 7.8% 28.3%
Bibb 18.1% 25.7% 12.8% 49.7%
Blount 14.6% 20.4% 12.1% 39.6%
Calhoun 19.0% 26.7% 10.6% 52.6%
Chambers 20.7% 30.2% 12.1% 44.0%
Cherokee 18.4% 28.1% 7.7% 52.8%
Chilton 18.7% 27.5% 10.0% 38.0%
Choctaw 22.8% 29.8% N/A N/A
Clarke 29.1% 37.9% 19.6% 56.2%
Colbert 16.0% 24.8% 9.2% 48.6%
Coosa 16.7% 25.4% N/A N/A
Cullman 19.3% 25.7% 13.5% 39.4%
DeKalb 21.7% 32.0% 15.5% 41.5%
Elmore 14.2% 19.2% 9.9% 29.6%
Etowah 17.2% 26.6% 12.0% 45.7%
Fayette 19.6% 26.9% N/A N/A
Franklin 21.8% 29.7% 12.6% 50.7%
Greene 28.4% 39.7% N/A N/A
Hale 26.6% 35.4% N/A N/A
Jackson 16.4% 24.3% 15.9% 38.9%
Jefferson 16.5% 22.9% 11.1% 36.2%
Lamar 18.2% 25.8% N/A N/A
Lauderdale 14.5% 21.8% 8.0% 48.9%
Lawrence 16.2% 22.9% 10.9% 44.1%
Limestone 13.5% 19.1% 11.3% 32.4%
Madison 10.3% 14.7% 6.3% 36.4%
Marengo 24.9% 32.3% 15.2% 46.4%
Marion 21.2% 30.9% 14.8% 70.5%
Marshall 19.1% 26.2% 14.2% 54.3%
Monroe 23.4% 33.2% 16.6% 67.8%
Morgan 15.9% 23.2% 12.6% 41.9%
Pickens 28.0% 34.1% N/A N/A
Perry 31.0% 48.9% N/A N/A
Shelby 6.9% 9.9% 4.9% 20.1%
St. Clair 13.8% 19.3% 10.3% 35.0%
Sumter 35.1% 42.3% N/A N/A
Talladega 18.9% 26.5% 15.3% 51.3%
Tallapoosa 17.8% 28.1% 9.2% 48.8%
Tuscaloosa 19.9% 22.6% 10.5% 47.9%
Walker 16.0% 22.9% 13.9% 49.8%
Washington 19.3% 26.5% N/A N/A
Winston 24.9% 36.4% 17.2% 53.8%
1 U.S. Census Bureau, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (2009)
2 U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 3-Year Estimates (2007-2009)

 

 

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Posted in Census Stats on Poverty, Economics & Employment, environment, Making A Difference | 4 Comments »

Why are women more likely to be poor?

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

This International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting our resources and research on women in poverty.

Did you know:

In Alabama, nearly half of female-headed households with children live in poverty – Alabama Poverty Project 2010 Datasheet

Women earn only 75 percent of what men with similar experience and education earn, and the gender pay gap is even larger for women of color – White House Report on Women in America

42 percent of working mothers in Alabama are the primary breadwinners in their household – Center for American Progress

Women are more economically insecure in retirement – Institute for Women’s Policy Reseach

Young and unmarried women face greater economic insecurity than young and unmarried men – Center for American Progress

Check out more of our resources on women in our Resources and Research database.

Posted by Robyn Hyden

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Posted in Census Stats on Poverty, Economics & Employment | No Comments »

Inspire the next Brendan

Friday, December 31st, 2010

We need to raise $747 today.

You can help us fight poverty with a donation right now. Thanks to generous supporters like you, we’ve already reached 96% of our goal – and we need your help to reach the finish line!


Fighting poverty means nurturing the next generation of servant-leaders – people like Brendan Rice (above), a former Alabama Possible camper and intern. Brendan is organizing students from across the state to fight hunger, and he uses APP’s tools and resources to do it.

As you decide how to invest your year-end contibutions, consider this: the need for charity will never cease until we create long-term change.

Your tax-deductible gift mobilizes Alabamians to end poverty.

DonationsTracker.com - Make a Donation to our 2010 Year-End Fundraiser

Thank you for your support. Together we have the power to end poverty in Alabama.


Photobucket

Kristina Scott

Executive Director

P.S. Track our progress at alabamapossible.org/fundraiser

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Help us reach our goal

Thursday, December 30th, 2010

The clock is ticking. We have less than 2 days left to reach our goal.

Fightress supports APP. Can you? Click here to donate now.

I’m so grateful for all the support we’ve received this year. In these tough economic times, faith partners and individual donors like you have given over $19,000! We’re blown away that you helped us make up our budget shortfall so quickly.

Our new goal is to reach $20,000 by tomorrow night. Your gift today will ensure we have the resources to continue our work.

Fighting poverty means nurturing the next generation of advocates, leaders and workers. People like our board member Fightress Aaron show us what is truly possible. A college degree helped Fightress emerge from poverty – and she’s using her education to advocate for her hometown.

As you consider how to invest your year-end contibutions, consider this: the need for charity will never cease until we create long-term change.  Your tax-deductible gift will mobilize Alabamians to end poverty.

DonationsTracker.com - Live Donations Tracking for our 2010 Year-End Fundraiser

Thank you for your support. With your help, it is possible to end poverty in Alabama.

Photobucket

Kristina Scott

Executive Director

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