Why are there hungry children in America, but we continue to give money to 3rd world countries?

Answer 1

I always wondered about that!! I don't know why that is. I figure help the hungry and homeless here first and then go to the 3rd world countries...

Answer 2

1. Hungry children aren't as obvious here. People hide things well.

2. The level of poverty is different. What we consider poor here in America is often considered rich in other countries. Most Americans have access to clean drinking water and indoor toilets. They don't have to wear rags since they can get free clothing at the food bank, Salvation Army, Goodwill, and churches. Most have a television at home. They have a roof over their heads (apartment, homeless shelter, temporary shelter in a hotel, domestic violence shelter, low income housing, HUD housing, Habitat for Humanity home, etc.) This cannot be said of many people living in other parts of the world.

3. Also, there are MANY more resources available to hungry people here. Food stamps, cash assistance, WIC, food banks, churches, Salvation Army, free lunch programs for children (even in summer in some cities), food sacks full of food for children to eat on the weekends (given to them at school), etc.

In many other countries, availability of such resources is limited at best. When you check out a country like Zimbabwe with an OFFICIAL unemployment rate of over 85% (the unofficial rate would be much higher), it's obvious that if the majority of people aren't working, there is no money to buy food. Here in America our unemployment is less than 10% (all depends on where you live).

If most Americans knew what resources were available to them, fewer children would be hungry. Not everyone knows all their options.

Answer 3

I think we should help people in desperate circumstances regardless of where they live (at least to some extent and do a better job of getting other rich nations to pull their weight as well). I was just in Jogjakarta, Indonesia a couple of weeks ago and the people there were truly grateful that America's USAID group donated food, supplies and tents to the thousands of people who were devastated in their recent earthquake. It makes me kinda proud to see people in the world looking up to the USA for a change, especially in a predominantly Muslim country where our image has suffered.

To your point though, I think the fact that we have hungry children in the United States is really inexcusable.

Consider this

The war in Iraq cost $100,000 per minute
21% of all children in the United States live in poverty
For what we spend on Iraq each month,
We could buy nearly $280 worth of food for15 Million kids every month (estimated number of kids who live in poverty)

I'm not saying that Iraq isn't important but clearly it's also not like we couldn't fix the US hunger problem if we truly wanted to. We have the money, our government feels it's better spent on other things, like Iraq.

Answer 4

The most unfortunate person in all America is better of than many in a third world country. They need help, and we help them. Bush stopped saddam, before he killed more of his own people than the 2million he already did. How dare u act like so many are hungry here. People in 3rd world countries go without any food at all, and we have welfare, education, and we still have people who could work, but wont. I don't think our country is bad for helping others, it is far more necessary than helping the unbelievably lucky people here.

Answer 5

because the children of the 3rd world country r in much more worse condition thn in america. from my point of view thr r no hungry children in america.

Answer 6

are you serious? are you really asking this? americans are greedy people. first of all thats why we're so fat. secondly...3rd world countries have it sooo bad. people in places like africa are literally starving!! homeless ppl in america have it soo much better than little kids sleeping on the streets of africa!!!!! 3rd world countries are waaay worse than americans and need more help than we do. why do you think angelina jolie and other stars are giving money and help to other countries besides america? HUH!? its because we're spoiled. americans are spoiled and just want MORE. africans..asians..indians...whatever race take whatever they can get....and guess who does the complaining...AMERICANS!? i have soo much more to say but im not going to say it because it should be self explanatory. this is why 3rd world countries get more than americans. i hope you understand.

Answer 7

one word... should explain all ............... BUSH!!!!