Describe the socioeconomic status of Walter Cunningham's family in To Kill a Mockingbird.

The Great Depression has been hard on the family of
Scout's schoolmate, Walter Cunningham.  We find this out early in the novel when Scout
gets herself in trouble trying to explain to her teacher that Walter's family could not
afford for him to bring, nor go home for lunch.  Scout was trying to help by explaining
what everyone in the room except the teacher; Walter's family's situation was not a
secret in Maycomb.  Additionally, Walter's father, recently unable to pay Atticus for
legal services, endeavors to offset some of his debt by leaving things like a sack of
turnip greens for the family.  When Walter (the son) joins the Finches for lunch one
day, it becomes apparent how very hungry he must be, as he zealously attacks his
meal.