Purdue simulation shows leaders poverty

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Nutrition officials hope a new poverty demonstration will show Indiana community leaders and healthcare providers what its like to be poor.

In the "Reality of Poverty" simulation, participants assume the roles of families facing poverty. They are challenged to provide for basic needs such as food and shelter on a limited budget for four "weeks," each of which lasts 15 minutes during the simulation.

The Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service and the Indiana Nutrition Council will run the simulation Oct. 30 in Indianapolis.

Purdue nutrition specialist Angie Abbott says the goal is to help those who work with the poor learn what it's really like to be impoverished.