Did you know that nearly 10.5 million children, approximately 1 in 7, were living in poverty in 2019? This is a staggering number that underscores the urgent need for action. Even more disheartening is the fact that almost half of these children were trapped in extreme poverty, surviving on less than half the poverty level.
Children of color, who represent a majority of our nation's future, are disproportionately affected. A worrying 71% of poor children belong to racial and ethnic minority groups. Shockingly, more than 1 in 4 Black children and 1 in 5 Hispanic and Indigenous children were living in poverty, compared to only 1 in 12 white children.
The youngest children, the ones in their critical years of brain development, are the most vulnerable. Devastatingly, nearly 1 in 6 children under the age of 6 were living in poverty during this crucial stage of their lives.
The consequences of child poverty are far-reaching. Nutritious food, stable housing, quality healthcare, and access to resources for healthy development and future success are often out of reach for these children. Distressingly, more than 1 in 7 children in America experienced food insecurity in 2019, not having enough to eat. Homelessness, too, is an agonizing reality, with over 1.5 million school-aged children experiencing it during the 2017-2018 school year.
Aside from the immediate challenges, children in poverty are also more likely to be uninsured, further limiting their access to vital healthcare services. Denying millions of children these basic necessities has long-lasting consequences. It creates significant gaps in cognitive skills, hampers their overall health and ability to learn, and perpetuates the cycle of poverty across generations. But here's the cold, hard truth—it doesn't have to be this way.
At Go Kids, we understand the critical impact that high-quality care and education has on a child's development. However, we also recognize that a child's needs extend beyond our scope of services. That's why we are committed to supporting the families we serve in finding and accessing community resources and services. Whether it's assistance with food, housing, domestic violence support, or adult education, we are here to guide and support the entire family. Because at the end of the day, what the family needs, the child needs.
Child poverty is a pressing issue that demands our attention and action. Together, we can make a difference and create a future where no child has to endure the devastating effects of poverty. Let us stand united and embrace our responsibility to create a more equitable and compassionate society—for our children, for our community, and for our nation.
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Thank you for supporting our efforts to ensure access to high-quality care and education for every child. We greatly appreciate your financial support, as it plays a significant role in making a positive impact in the lives of children and our community.
Citations:
https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/child-hunger-facts