A new Frontline documentary, Growing Up Poor in America, depicts three children and their families’ stories as they navigate poverty during the coronavirus pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has not been friendly to American families who have struggled in the past to make ends meet. With schools shutting down across the nation, parents had to be dependent on other people and organizations to feed their children. Many parents depended on TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and food stamps to get by. In particular, Ohio is home to some of the most impoverished communities in the country, which results in many children living in poverty. Not only do these children have monetary hardships, but they also struggle with the emotional challenges that come along with isolation and lack of education. The children interviewed in the documentary all stated that they wanted to break the cycle of poverty, and acknowledged that “coming out of poverty is possible but challenging.”
To watch the documentary “Growing Up Poor in America,” click here.
