Growing with Change in a Down Economy

By KIM GREEN

Many younger Americans are learning how to deal with the changes in their families because of the recession. PHOTO: iStock

The United States is currently in a recession (a long period of slow economic activity). Since 2008, people have been spending less money compared to previous years, businesses have closed, unemployment has increased and millions of Americans have lost their homes or jobs.

The recession is affecting young people too. One of the most significant ways is that more families are buying food with food stamps. “The numbers of people utilizing the program are historical,” reported The Nutrition Consortium, an anti-hunger organization. According to the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 50 percent of children in the United States will use food stamps at some point in childhood.

If you feel embarrassed about the changes that the recession may be causing in your family, here are some ideas you can try:

1. Talk to your parents about how you feel about these changes.
2. Choose one friend your age to talk to, and discuss how using food stamps makes you feel.
3. Make a list with your family of the parts of your life that have not changed since the recession began.
4. Make a wish list with your family of goals that you can work toward together. Don’t forget goals such as spending more time together.
5. Think about starting a garden and growing a few of your favorite fruits and vegetables. You could also make your garden a family activity. You can produce food, spend time together and feel that you’re helping to improve your situation.