US poverty numbers hit record high

The US poverty rate hit its highest level since 1993 last year, with a record 46 million people living below the American poverty line, according to census data.

A government report released on Tuesday said the poverty rate rose for a third consecutive year to hit 15.1 per cent in 2010, up from 14.3 per cent a year earlier.

The US definition of poverty in 2010 was an annual income of $22,314 for a family of four, and $11,139 for a single person.

Neli Vasquex-Rowland co-founder, A Safe Haven Foundation told Al-Jazeera that the US government needs to do more.