Suburban Middle-Class Filling Food Banks

Dot-com Denver saw a 40% increase in demand for handouts as high-tech workers feel the pinch of high unemployment and high housing costs.

1 minute read

July 20, 2004, 12:00 PM PDT

By Jeffrey Goodman


Across the nation, charitable food banks are seeing an increasing number of first-time users, as well as seemingly well-off suburbanites, looking for aid. Despite the stigma, many people simply have no other choice. The leading factor, experts say, is rent; many families, even 'working poor,' spend two-thirds of their income on rent alone. For the middle-class, as the tech industry narrows, former employees become forced into low-paying jobs but still must pay suburban mortgages. The operators of many food banks, as well as the Urban Institute, want to see the government both expand food stamps and subsidize housing.

Thanks to Jeffrey Goodman

Monday, July 19, 2004 in Boston Herald

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog