How can it be reduced?

Poverty has existed ever since the existence of mankind whether it was called that or not. The population of those affected by poverty continues to fluctuate continuously and it is almost impossible to eradicate poverty from the face of the planet. Numerous organizations and foundations, such as the ones mentioned in the "How Can You Help" section, have been established in effort to relieve poverty in regions of the world but they alone can't change or enforce anything. Though it may not appear as evident, the government plays a large role in relieving the poverty rates. Without governmental aid, millions of people would be below the poverty line.

According to the CNN article, "Government Aid Keeps Millions Out Of Poverty, " government insurance and policies have aided in approximately 3.2 million new yorkers from falling below the poverty line in 2010. Food stamps and Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards have enabled millions of families the chances to access necessities. The poverty line is marked at $22,314 for a family of four as of the article's publication date (Sept. 14, 2011). "Roughly one in six Americans are on government aid, with the largest two programs being Medicaid and food stamps" and "more than 8.4 million people are collecting either state or federal jobless benefits." (Luhby)

However, many people have been exploiting the federal aid programs by spending and taking more than their family needs. According to the US's federal aid programs, there is a monthly quota that must be spent on restricted commodities depending on the family member number. If it is not met, the grant would be cut the following month. Many have managed to elude the system and exploit its benefits by spending all they can before the end of the month.

Refer to "Poverty in the US" for brief examples of how government action as helped reduce poverty and aided the poor.