Hungry in America
The gap between the wealthy and poor grows ever wider in the US. Often a working class job is no longer enough to feed a family. In Washington DC, food centers are the life-line for many families.
Homeless despite income
James doesn't like the conditions in Washington DC's largest homeless shelter. But he has no choice. He's been living here for the past three years since he lost his job. Even though he receives $1200 per month in disabilities, it's not enough to rent an appartment in the city and pay for his day-to-day needs.
Steps away from the capital
The Community for Creative Non-Violence runs the largest homeless shelter in America's capital. Some 1,300 homeless people can spend the night in the center. It's just steps away from the US Congress and seats of power.
Meeting the needs
The Manna Food Center provides food for families with low incomes. Currently an average of 3,600 families receive food packages from the center. In 2011 it was 3,000. A third of the receipients are unemployed or senior citizens, the vast majority of those seeking aid are the working poor.
Food stamp cuts
Beth comes to Manna Food Center every three months. The mother of two young boys is unemployed and living on disability. “They cut my food stamps to $15 per month, so I have to make my ends meet every way I can," she says.
Struggling to earn enough
It took Corly (left) two years to find a new job after losing her work in a daycare and at McDonalds. Now she bags at a grocery store for 15 hours a week, making $7 an hour. It's not enough for the 32-year-old mother, who picks up a monthly package of 50-70 pounds of food from the center.