Historical Poverty in Rural America Film – School Lunches

This 1965 film by the U.S. Department of Agriculture takes an account of the War on Poverty, with a special focus on poor Southern people living in rural areas. Examining hidden poverty in America, the film is vibrant, and full of intense interviews with the actually impoverished. The film definitely takes a close-up look at the everyday problems of the poor. While depicting the situations and tribulations of these poverty stricken people, there is always an appropriate seriousness. Also discussed are the beginnings of government entitlement programs and government programs for the working poor. These are crucial developments in the history of poverty in America, with other aspects like social welfare programs and even the beginnings of the national school lunch program. These programs, at that time, were treated optimistically as possible final solutions for the impoverished. Poverty in Rural America is eye opening for its candor, and all the more relevant when watched today because it can be compared to current standards and attitudes towards poverty.