Ep 3. Growing Up Poor

Growing Up Poor is the third episode of the fourth season of the documentary series Frontline. In this episode, the focus is on the experiences of poor children and their families as they navigate the challenges of living in poverty in America. Through interviews with families from different parts of the country, the episode explores the difficulties of meeting basic needs like housing, food, and healthcare, and the impact of poverty on children's education and future prospects.

The episode begins by introducing the documentary team's main subjects, four families from different parts of the country who live in poverty. The first family is a single mother with three children who lives in a public housing project in Chicago. The second family is a working-class couple in rural Oregon who struggle to make ends meet. The third family is a grandmother raising her grandson in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. The fourth family is a mother and daughter living in a homeless shelter in New York City.

Through the stories of these families, the episode illustrates the many ways in which poverty affects children's lives. For example, the Chicago family struggles to afford healthy food and must often rely on fast food and other unhealthy options. The Oregon family must choose between paying for groceries or paying for childcare, so they often rely on food assistance programs. The Atlanta family deals with the challenge of accessing healthcare for their grandson, who has asthma and other health problems. The New York City family must navigate the difficulties of finding stable housing and a safe environment for their daughter.

Throughout the episode, viewers see the families' efforts to provide for their children and give them the best chance to succeed despite the challenges of poverty. For example, the Chicago mother works long hours and takes night classes to better her career prospects, while also advocating for her children's education. The Oregon couple scrimps and saves to provide their children with extracurricular activities and other opportunities. The Atlanta grandmother enrolls her grandson in a private school to give him a better education. The New York City mother works with a social worker to find stable housing and access resources for her daughter's education.

The episode also explores the broader structural issues that contribute to poverty in America. For example, it highlights the impact of racial and economic segregation on communities of color, and the role of government policies like welfare reform and budget cuts in exacerbating poverty. It also features interviews with experts in the fields of poverty and child development, who discuss the long-term consequences of poverty on children's health, education, and future prospects.

Overall, Growing Up Poor is a powerful look at the realities of poverty in America and the impact it has on children and families. It sheds light on the many challenges faced by families in poverty, while also highlighting their resilience and determination to give their children better lives. Through their stories, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding poverty and the urgent need for solutions that address its root causes.