BILL MOYERS JOURNAL | Hunger in America | PBS

[FireweedFarm]

Actually, look at Holly Sklar on minimum wage. Farmers are exploited in the same way, and those supposedly high 2007-9 yearly average farm prices, adjusted for inflation, are in the bottom 25% of all time prices. Subsidies have compensated corn farmers for only 1/6 of the reductions since 1952, wheat 1/5. So it's essentially the same, and the hidden corporate benefits are 6 x or 5 x bigger than the 2-3 hundred billion in farm subsidies.

[LenoraForest]

Sorry, anyone who can afford $7 per day to buy cigarettes should spend that money on food instead of getting food from a food bank. I spend $300 per month to feed 4 people. That's $10 per day to feed 4 people. The price of one pack of cigarettes would feed that one person. Shameful. Stop smoking and leave that food bank food for people who REALLY need it.

[godscuttingyoudown]

don't be surprised in 20 yrs or less in order to get food the gov will force you to get an RFID chip and of course the poor and stupid will be glad to take the mark

[ohairjb1]

need more people liker that lady

[MarquisdeLafayett]

wow i can really understand what that older black lady is saying ... she says it so that you can understand it ...

[FRSFreeStateNow]

Hunger in America was a problem before the "Great Recession". But it was small compared with how it is today.

[cherd1971]

my husband works hard an log hours an yet

we cant get ahead an live pay check to pay check

sometimes we dotn know if we wilbe able to eat

from week to week

things need to change

[createwealthspokane]

@cherd1971 I have a solution for you, if you have an open mind and are willing to work hard (in the beginning) I am 64 and lived month-to month all my life.

[changling21]

there's so much food wasted here, it's unbelievable

[bubukaka5]

can you hear the giant sucking sound , its the noise wealth makes on its way to the coffers of the top 1% !

[technotrancelover]

SAY THANK YOU TO ALL OUR PRESIDENTS AND OBAMA THEY PUT US IN THIS SITUATION AND THE ONES THAT SAID NO WAS KILLED EVERY ONE WAS MAKING TO MUCH MONEY AND WOULDNT LISEN TO ANY ONE WHO COULD SEE THE TRUTH

[chardnj]

we need to reset most of our lifestyle...The land total of United States is more than we need,,we have everything in this country we will not get short in food or hungry if we used all the resources in a right way..and take out all the big company who control the supply and making it to expensive for us..the government is not doing enough to fixed it..

[lendmeurears]

I hope that a lot of people apply the lessons learned from the people in this program. That is, to be tolerant of others. I see so much hate in our world. Racism, sexism, etc... Sometimes I feel that the situation in the world is so hopeless that I get really depressed. I used to be very intolerant like many other people. But I hope that people try very hard to be tolerant of other because intolerance is humanity's no.1 enemy. Intolerant people are abusive and offensive; but its not their fault.

[rzuhler]

my family is poor right now. We barely have enough to eat and our homes are being foreclosed . This is real

[lowincomeguide]

It is a shame that people cannot afford to put food on the table.

[scarletletterman84]

Though I struggle, I dont go to these places because I dont want to take it from others who need it more. But it truly enrages me to hear sycophants self-righteously proclaim that the poor are "just lazy" with an implied superiority, indignant on behalf of their swelling family fortunes, behind their podiums catering to the delusions of a class of unapologetic hedonists.

This is democracy?

[AriaOfTelengard]

I'm confused... Isn't there a bailout for people? Nobody should be suffering during this downturn. There are bailouts and stimulus packages all over the place and for all types of people.

[SKeene1956]

Ms Walker I am truly sorry that your future and retirement was stolen from you as well as many more in the whole country. There are tent cities popping up rapidly.I lost it to due to major health issues as I am now limited to an electric wheel chair. GOD bless you and yours as well as to all who have a good heart and always try to do the right thing. Happened to me back in 1979 as I went to jail for a crime I did not do and there was no evidence and this will be in video I post tonight.

[dbleoangel]

Open your eyes wider if you don't actually know where poverty comes from! Volunteer some where, you'll see. Pray you don't lose your job if your lucky to have one. Don't count on getting a decent paying job if you do lose yours. Maybe you, or your parents and grandparents are better off then most, thank goodness!

[jejune40]

Most poverty is caused by out of wedlock breeding. Grow up and take responsibility.

[jean1126]

More reason to keep american dollars ooops Chinese debt dollars home and to JUST tell the Senate to CHILL on spending anything more til we climb our own mountain of debt and make flat land outta it!

[body1music]

STMF

[THEMONEYWEBSITE]

food prices are only going to get higher

just wait until next year, food prices will

really rise. grow a garden.

[InsideLosAngeles]

Hunger is what makes food valuable and precious. If everyone had food and was never hungry, food would be worthless and wasted.

[boodang062451]

This report is stunning. In my opinion, this should be front page news. What will it take before the powers that be wake up to the needs of their own fellow countrymen?

[darthmorgen]

By definition, the powers that be will never wake up to the needs of anyone but themselves

[NWforager]

we are those 'powers' and yes, its time for us to wake up to the fact that money shouldn't equal food to a fault . If we ask other cultures about our hunger plight in the U.S. ,I suspect they would laugh . . That time will come for our young country.

[1yK3Y4]

I attend a high school in a relatively affluent area. What's sad is that nobody wants to donate cans to the canned food drive unless they get extra credit for it. Last year, one of my teachers refused to give extra credit because she believed it was morally wrong. A grand total of 2 people donated cans.

[dbleoangel]

That is sad :( It shows no compassion for those less fortunate. That's what happens to a lot of people who have things handed to them in excess, they never learn the lessons of life. We are here to help each other. Extra credit should not be a condition on donations. One of these days hopefully something will change in order to change those peoples opinions on donating to other's . If you can't feed 100 people, then feed one~ Mother Theresa (quote)

[rzuhler]

@1yK3Y4 it's kind of the same way in the affluent area that i live. Some rich people don't realize how people like us suffer.

[yeldarb11]

The problem isn't enough food. The problem is that poor people have too many children which the taxpayers have to support. Feeding the world's poor isn't the solution. Population control is what is needed.

[darthmorgen]

Fine.

 go kill yourself

Now

[TheJapanChannelDcom]

That is amazing!

All I ever heard was great stuff about America from Americans.. but people are starving there???????

Tragic!

[thequietkid10]

don't you have anything better to do then to take pot shots at America? Fix your own problems.

[vuittoninny]

Going to the supermarket is a horror story. Weekly jumps in food prices. When a working couple has to rely on food shelves to feed their kids it is very sad.

The American dream ? Hardly.

[studape]

Money to kill and imprison, money for endless war while the people suffer for the elites to take all money and government resources. I have heard for years that that American farmers feed the world and that is tru. The problem is you must pay if not no food!

[Silveracity]

The U.S. dollars that pay for wars and prisons are just printed out of thin air. Thus the supply is unlimited.

Most Americans are overweight, and they continue to eat too much.

[AriaOfTelengard]

@Silveracity Most US CITIZENS are overweight, not AMERICANS. The US is only one country on a massive continent, and don't own the entire Americas.

[sidman11]

take out the troops from the middle east... we spend MILLIONS on stupid oil, and the last time I checked, you couldnt eat oil. Obama, nows your time to make it or break it- someone in middle school can give inspiring speeches..

[1yK3Y4]

It's not about oil anymore. It's about leaving Iraq without looking like complete asses for invading a country without good reason, overthrowing its government, and justifying the 1.6 million civilians that have been killed. Remember Vietnam? America doesn't like to lose wars even if they started them for no good reason.

[BriansVideoHobby]

HAHAHAHAHAHA

1.6 million!

HAHAHAHAHAHA

[sexkatas]

1.6 civilians? They weren't American were they? Problem solved.

[AriaOfTelengard]

@1yK3Y4 America didn't cause the Vietnam war, the US caused the Vietnam war. I doubt Argentina or Brazil, or most of the Americas had anything to do with the Vietnam war.

[excelerater]

taxes up,durable goods up,food up,service/labor prices down....Unemployment up....

China is taking over the world ,and you can think the good ole USA !

[sandynford1]

I think that if anybody is in the position to help out ,should , and always if you are in this position yourself ,keep chin up and think of ways to make things better not only for yourself, but others , Many in same position . take the time to think of ways to make money and get creative .might be a blessing in disguise sometime ?Makes us humble and sympathetic towards others,God Bless everybody.Hang in there nothing lasts forever we'll get through this

[jgunnm1]

What propaganda... This is the reason you should never depend on the Government for your livelihood. Reports like this never get in deep about people and what screw ups they are. Everyone in America is a victim.

[CoolConejo]

Don't worry people, We will All being going hungry here soon.

[excelerater]

true...washington is about to stick us all in the arce

[Lilone284]

This is a little sad. These people want to care for themselves, and you can see it in their faces while they're talking. But they're just simply unable to with the way inflation is on food and everything else but our income. This is a cry for help and something needs to be done. YES we need to start at home first!!!

[ladycatherine]

why can we not take care of each other..? why are we letting OUR people go hungry..? It should not matter where you live what color you are,, helping the people we ALL live near should be our first thought..

I love that we help others overseas in times of trouble BUT WHAT ABOUT OUR NEIGHBORS!!!!

[justthisboi]

Time to plant a victory garden.

[mario999edf]

this is bad news for the fitness industry

[devoncocomo]

I couldn't control my tears at 2:56; the man's pained look was exactly the same when my then-alive dad couldn't find job anymore and it took awhile for him to gather his courage to seek help from job-seeking agency. ( I was in my teens.) But thankfully, my mother tried to make ends meet by taking on odd jobs until the time I was ready to work for a living to support the family. It feels painful to see someone else in the same predicament in a harsher circumstance. I hope there's help for them.

[forgetmepls]

God Bless you

[mslaerik]

bill moyers for prez

[reallyrosemarie]

People are mentioning how overweight Americans are. There's a tremendous difference between eating nutrious food, which isn't always cheap, and eating junk. There are also many families affected by this. We need to remember how fortunate we are and help those who aren't.

[Silveracity]

Rice and beans are very cheap, The Olive Garden is not. But, When you're there, you're family.

Stop eating at restaurants, eat rice and beans at home for pennies a day, and loose some weight, you might live longer.

[whiterook72]

Many families are being held hostage by their MORTGAGE and forced to eat the same high carb low protien diet. the only diff. between those on this video and the most others is a job and a paycheck that gets the mortgage paid. everyone has a shitty diet now adays b/c were so deeply in debt.

[Silveracity]

People don't starve in America unless they want to. Americans are, in general, overweight and getting fatter,

If that truth hurts peoples feelings, they may need to lose some weight.

[FatJesusftfbc]

yes unless they want to and don't have a job?

[panthera50]

And maybe all of you 35 who have reacted are next.

Are you lazy too then ? or did you loose your job too, like these people ?

Should I feel sorry for you then, or also tell you to FO and die ??

I wonder..............

[menonthemovemovie]

This is a very important video. Thousands of people have lost their jobs and have found themselves on the street. Many of them after working 10, 15,20 or more years for the same company. These people and their children have very litle if nothing to eat on a daily basis. Some have recieved help from the government. For many that help has run out and they have slipped thorugh the cracks and are not even a number anymore.

[socalsir]

The US gives billions in foreign aid to more than 150 countries. Illegal immigration costs the US 350 billion annually. Our national debt is 11 trillion and climbing. We are bankrupt and must stop our out of control government spending. Vote out all incumbents and take back our country. Charity starts at home. The US must put American citizens first.

[DesertDee]

Amen....I Totally agree... Take care of home First....

[Bear5177]

Heartbreaking.

[pineapple1969]

@ 10:15 Tom is seen smoking a cigarette.  If you have money to buy cigarettes you have money to buy food.

[cptcolo]

Double Stack at Wendy's is still a buck. McDonalds has the McDouble for a buck. Americans are not obsessed with exercise, they are obsessed with eating. Back in the day, you just went hungry and got skinny, it was considered bad.

[anyname666]

send them McDonalds

I hear McDonalds forces people to get fat

Did you report on MickeyD's one time?

[anyname666]

Only STARVATION in America should be a topic. Not Hunger.

According to USA Today 64.5% of Americans fat! ! If you dont think so go a go ogle and type in overweight USA #1 is the article.

When you go on a diet it will be necessary for you to be hungry.

If 64.5 % of the people were Hungry in America it would be a good thing. Do you concur?

And HUNGER in America should be the standard for at least 64.5% of Americans long enough for them to lose all that fat they got hanging over their belts.

[pr0gm3r]

the problems is "Infinite" Profits driven motive.

[Jessicabryant1213]

Is anybody thankful anymore. I could top any of these stories and I am still thankful for what I do have! I trust in God and I haven't starved yet!

[robson0172]

Mr Wibarm, your are wrong! It has nothing to do with population. When you spend over $415,000,000,000.00 in military and defense spending,you are gonna tell me that there is not enough money? Americans waste more food than any other in this world. You add just these two problems and its clear. There is no food shortage within the country, its been trowing away by every person everyday without the perception of waste.

[NorceCodine]

In 1776, we got rid of the king of England, so we could keep ours everything we worked for. Then we put back 100 kings of Englands - called senators - who live in the lap luxury from the money they take from us, and then vote to deny every basic human rights to us, from healthcare to housing. Maybe thats where the problem is.

[wibarm]

The US population is more than 300 million people. The economy cannot support so many people. Population is the problem.

[hauphd]

let them starve.

[hauphd]

The idiots of American. They have become beggars.

I'm an American an have lived on less than 400 per month. Never gones to a pantry. I pay my rent and electricity and I make less than social sucurity.

I'm a disability veteran.

I actually hate the food pantries

Why should people work their fingers to the bone for some lazy (human) to profit from their hard work.

I love the negro and mexican society.

[moothacowford]

Obobbakonda

You are so full of it. The reason why people are poor is because they are having 4 and 5 kids out of wedlock by a bunch of different daddies. They could care less about the quality of life for their kids. All they care about is themselves. We have welfare, wic, foodstamps, section 8, medicaid etc... and you want me to believe you were in poverty? Poverty is those that are in Africa dying.

[unytcommsys]

I know people on Section-8 who have 'never' had kids. People who make 6 figures sometimes fall on hard times. Then you have some who are just fools.

[KhmerSerey1]

There goese the American dream.

[Sepero1]

Federal reserve low interest rates + forcing banks to ease lending practices was supposed to help put people in homes...

Government regulation fails again.

[sethwyo]

The point here seems to be saying, 'People need more paper to trade for food'

Thay want more money to trade for food to consume, But what are thay doing to produce anything for themselves? They all claim to be hard working and wanting to work, But are any of them growing food in community gardens, or yards or in windows?

[luv4knowledge]

sethwyo, how can you expect people to undertake the expensive and space-requiring task of being their own farmer when they live in the worst neighborhoods possible without any outlet for farming?

[whathitthefan]

These poor people that look at higher food cost don't know what is coming. With Obama as pres you will see skyrocketing energycost and water cost. Hes plan stops the coal industry, no drilling for oil and no nuclear energy, that leaves us only with oil to import from the arab states, but china and india is fighting for the same oil that is so limited. Guess what folks, oil was going down and pulled food prices down, but these prices will skyrocket within a year way beyond the $150/barrel.

[simlyal]

stay focused! what the heck fighting for oil have to do with people going hungry.

[thekid22585]

Fighting for oil has ALOT to do with people going hungry. The money we used to fund a dumbass war, we could have used for PRODUCTION based employment.....alternative energy jobs....more Ag jobs as the world is growing..etc

Sad....some people just dont get it...some people are just so blind....have no clue about how we got sidetracked with these stupid wars cost us a future.

[Hunnie028]

@thekid22585 So true...another point is: does anyone know how much money the gov't spends a year on NASA? Yes, there is massive unempolyment, no one ha decent health care & people are going hungry, and yet let's spend millions to explore the craters on the moon. Complete lunacy, if you ask me.

[dfjpr]

@Hunnie028 billions actually :)

[dfjpr]

@thekid22585 $3 trillion +according to Jo Stiglitz

[eblsymk]

as a pretty good income earner myself, i find it absolutely frustrating talking to people at work (upper middle class) regarding wealth inequality in America. they bitch and whine about having to pay more on taxes and thus support the republican platform. of course, having grown up in their 'perfect' household, with 'perfect' education and 'perfect' setting, they find it hard to believe that people need to rely on welfare for a living. sad state in humanity...

[Obobbakonda]

According to the republicans poor people are fat. If they're fat, then they're not hungry. Not only that but many poor people own VCRs. So they're not really poor for that reason. This is why I hate the republicans. A bunch of rich fat-cats determining what poverty is. How I hate those bastards! I grew up damned hungry most the time. I understand what those people feel. The most sickening thing about the cursed republicans is their claim to be the party of God.

[luv4knowledge]

i absolutely agree with you....republicans are forever gone and soon will democrats too....God isn't real in the eyes of our politicians, they tote it around like a carrot on a stick b/c most Americans are so naively religious that they will support any idiot politician so long as he is not atheist....yeah and I hate how they say having a VCR means one is wealthy...baloney!!!

[Gaaagle]

Thanks for posting

[RLF777]

We at Redding Loaves and Fishes are Desperate for Food, Numbers Needing Help Way Up, Donations Way Down...

[RLF777]

So true, getting much worse~

[RLF777]

Sad Facts in the Land of Plenty...

[zegaradaabe]

Well America joyin the rest of the world. Maybe all those fat people will start eating less.

[nowellian]

Stop voting for the lesser of 2 evils!

Democrats and republicans are working for corporations!

Support Nader/Gonzalez for president!

Support impeaching Bush/Cheney!

Start doing your constitutional duty and hold the congress responsible!

Protest! Protest! Protest! Protest by the millions until things change!

[AmericanAce]

The Thing is that the USA sending Food to help out other Countries.

The Government needs to supply the Food Pantries and not give people a hard time when applying for the Food Stamp Program.

[JMHamilton1]

This is what I've been talkingabout for the pass yesr. We need to do something to say "we love you-in actions". These are Americans, and in they old age they should not have to worry about this things they worry about. We need to take American money and recycle in our system. Stop talking, stop looking down and "make a difference".

John

[Wabiisabii]

This is beyond heart breaking.

[StephanAOTTO1]

Heart-breaking & infuriating.

The people didn't like being told to "eat cake" once. We don't like hearing it this time around, either.

Please watch the rest of this episode.

It gets sadder...and worse.

[JeffreyRodriguez]

Start growing your own food NOW. Learn how to store food long term (canning, smoking, freezing, drying, salting). Try to keep several months worth of surplus home-grown food on hand.

Things are only going to get worse.

[kusotarre]

Do you thinik these people live on acreage?