The Working Poor
Nearly half of the households helped by Green Harvest Food Pantry have at least one employed adult. Unfortunately, for many people, having a job does not mean you are able to pay for the basic necessities, including food.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services identifies the 2008 poverty level as $21,200 for a family of four, or $1,760 per month. A worker earning $10.00 per hour would fall just below the poverty line. How would you budget your money if this were your salary?
Monthly Income $1760.00
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Housing $635
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Utilities $192
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Car or Transportation $200
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Taxes at 15% $240
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Clothing $100
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Healthcare $145
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Monthly Expenses $1512.00
Remaining Income $248 (not counting food, child care, debt or emergencies)
According to the latest government statistics, a family of 4 spends more than $632.00 per month on a THRIFTY food plan. That's a deficit of $384 per month.
A family of 4 must use this remaining income to pay for, personal hygiene items, school fees, child care, debt payments, emergencies, holidays/gifts, insurance, savings and most importantly, food.
Given this typical situation, could you make ends meet and provide your family with enough to eat? Or would you need help?