Angela Wilson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Alabama is known for its Southern Hospitality, college football, sandy beaches, and mouth-watering cuisine.  But what is not very well known about Alabama is the economic hardship and poverty levels that many of its residents’ face. Alabama is the 6^th poorest state in the country according to Alabama.org., a nonprofit organization that removes barriers to success and economic empowerment.  Over 714,000 Alabamians live in poverty which includes 220,000 kids.  Alabama has 67 counties, and seven of them have poverty rates higher than 25%. Two counties in Alabama (Perry and Bullock), have poverty rates of higher than 30%, which is astounding.  There are only two counties in Alabama that have a poverty rate of less than 10%, which are Baldwin and Shelby.  Africans Americans and Hispanics are disproportionately impacted by poverty when compared to their white peers.  African Americans make up 25.6% of people living in poverty, while 29.2% of Hispanics live in poverty.  This pales in comparison to the 11.2% of white people living in poverty. 

This data provides the necessary transparency needed to address these issues and apply viable and tangible solutions.  Educational opportunities, employment, health care, and food security are all concerns when exploring the upward mobility of these vulnerable counties. 

In 2022, Governor Kay Ivey awarded over $480,000 to The Community Action Agencies Association of Alabama to help Alabamians rise from the economic strains of poverty.  The funds will be used towards programs that help low-income residents improve self-sufficiency.   Governor Ivey also signed a grocery tax reduction into law last month.  This tax cut reduces the current sales tax on groceries from 4% to 3% and could be reduced to 2% by September if the Education Trust Fund rises.  These efforts are a great start towards easing the burdens of poverty, but more must be done. On a national level, safety net programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), need to be expanded as the current benefit is inadequate according to the Center for Progress.org. Additionally, affordable housing and childcare must be a priority so that working families can provide for their families’ fundamental needs on a regular basis.

Alabamians are capable and resilient.  I know that with a little support, families in this great state can overcome the burdens of poverty.

References:

Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. (2023). Governor Ivey Awards $480,000 to Assist Low-Income Residents Statewide. https://adeca.alabama.gov.

Alabama Possible. (2022). Barriers to Prosperity Data Sheet. https://alabamapossible.org.

Pathak, A., Ross, K. Center for American Progress. (2021). The Top 12 Solutions to Cut Poverty in the United States. http://www.americanprogress.org.