Going back to the post-war era the United States economy was steadily climbing. The middle class grew and those living in poverty where able to work their way out creating better lives for themselves and their families. It was a good time for everyone even the top one percent reap the benefits with gains in theirs markets. This was the case for many Americans until the 80’s when something change. Between 1980 and 1990 the top one percent national average income was a steady 12%. In New York City it Jump from the national 12% to 20% all within the same decade. By 1990 New York City was creating the beginning of what yet to come. Entering 1990 there was no end in sight by the end of the decade the top one percent’s gross income reached a staggering 35%. After idling on the top due to a recession the top one percent’s gross income in New York City double the national high of 23.5% and by 2007 their shared gross income was at 44%. With the top 1 percent receiving 44% of the income in the U.S. they’re leaving those families living in deep poverty to rely on the systems food benefit programs. Although they will be receiving monthly food stamps, they’re force to purchase high sodium and Trans fat foods that only creates secondary long term health conditions like obesity and diabetes.
Source: Juanita But, Mark Noonan, Sean Scanlan (2007) The Place Where We Dwell; Reading and Writing of New York City, PG180, As The Income Gap Widens
