Latinos live in poverty more than other ethnic groups

September 17, 2012

Latino families in the U.S. continue to live in poverty, more than any other ethnic group. An analysis released today shows that despite the alarming numbers the problem could be worse.

NADINE ARROYO RODRIGUEZ: That analysis shows Latino children make up more than 34 percent of all U.S. kids living in poverty.  Bread for the World, a non-profit, Christian-based organization, analyzed recently released data from the U.S. Census. The group also reports that of all adults living in poverty, Latinos make up more than a quarter of that population. Bread for the World’s Ricardo Moreno says these numbers could be worse, if it weren’t for federal government assistance efforts like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program formerly known as food stamps.

RICARDO MORENO: The statistics say that we are the demographic group more affected by poverty more affected by lack of opportunity and there are many reasons for that. They say living wage is one issue.

ARROYO RODRIGUEZ: The federal government identifies the poverty line for a family of four at $23,000 a year. Moreno says this amount impacts families differently because the cost of living varies from state to state.