Meet Susan.
Susan works 40 hours a week earning $7.65/ hour– $15,912/year.
She has two kids. Alex is in the 4th grade and Tara is 3 and attends daycare.
She pays $700 a month in rent, which is $8,400 annually.
If she is thrifty with her money, Susan spends $409/ month on food. This is $4,908 a year.
Tara’s preschool costs Susan $16/day or $4,256/year.
Susan’s energy costs are 20%. This is $3,182 each year.
After considering just these basic needs, Susan would owe $4,834 at the end of the year.
This does not take into account healthcare, school supplies, clothing, hygiene, emergencies. . .
The Missouri State Dietetic Interns had the opportunity to live out a life like Susan’s (and millions of others in America) this fall during a poverty simulation at Missouri State. As we entered the room we were handed a card with our new identity and life story. We also had a list of our expenses and needs. Through a period of 4, 15 minute segment we were given the task to buy food, find housing, pay bills, and take care of children. We experienced the stress of having to rush from work to the grocery store to the bank all before our kids come home from school. We experienced the despair of coming home to a notice that we have been evicted. And, we experienced the heartbreak of knowing our children are hungry. While we only experienced this life for a few short hours, this is reality for over 930,000 people in Missouri.
As future dietitians, we have a platform and a voice for this underserved population. Part of this simulation included community agencies that offer services to help aid people during tough times. Whether it be a gas voucher or a housing stipend, these donations could be the difference between a growling stomach or food on the table. We have the amazing opportunity to bring awareness and hope to the 930,000 individuals who have probably lost it.
Blog post by Gloria Westlake, dietetic intern
**Statistics acquired from Missouri Association for Community Action