Bread Lines Grow by Mark Chambers

Bread Lines Grow examines the profound crisis of urban hunger in the United States during 1932, a pivotal year in the Great Depression. It analyzes the political, social, and economic factors that led to widespread food insecurity, and investigates the diverse strategies employed to combat it. The book highlights that existing social safety nets were woefully inadequate, and the scale of suffering forced a re-evaluation of the government's role in providing for its citizens, laying the groundwork for the New Deal.

The book progresses by first establishing the economic and social landscape of 1932, then comparing the effectiveness of various local hunger relief efforts across cities like New York and Chicago. Finally, it explores the political debates surrounding government intervention versus individual responsibility.

By focusing on 1932, Bread Lines Grow provides an in-depth look at the intersection of individual suffering, community responses, and governmental actions during a crucial period in American history, making it valuable for understanding the origins of American social welfare and the ongoing challenges of poverty.