Why the United States can't end poverty

37.9 million Americans currently live in poverty, or 11.6% of the total population. This is despite the fact that America ranks first among the richest countries in the world in terms of GDP. Poverty in the United States is not only a humanitarian crisis but also an economic one. About 11% of the federal budget, or $665 billion, is devoted each year to economic security programs. According to the latest research, child poverty alone costs the United States more than a trillion dollars. So how did poverty become such a big problem in the United States and why is it so difficult to end?

Chapters:
0:00 — Presentation
02:22 — Reasons
06:50 — Measuring poverty
10:59 a.m. — Solutions

Produced by: Juhohn Lee
Supervising Producer: Lindsey Jacobson
Graphics: Christina Locopo
Additional camera by: Charlotte Morabito
Special thanks to: River Fund

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Why the United States can't end poverty