Child Poverty Information

According to the 2009 federal poverty guidelines in the United States, a family of four is considered to be in poverty with an income of less than $22,050 per year. The National Center of Children in Poverty believes the standards for the federal poverty guidelines are flawed; and considers a family to be living in poverty whose income is below twice the federal poverty level. Living in poverty causes hardships for a family, but none greater than those experienced by the children of poverty-stricken families.

Hunger

A well-known factor of poverty is hunger. While widespread hunger among children has decreased dramatically in recent years due to such programs as food stamps, school breakfast and lunch programs and The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program, hunger among children in the United States is still present. Proper nutrition is crucial, especially during the first five years of life, when a child's brain function is developing.

Necessities

While it is well known that children need the necessities of food, clothing and shelter; there are many more necessities a child needs to get a head start in life. A family that does not have access to running water, electricity, a telephone or indoor plumbing is considered by today's standards to be "impoverished." Avoiding poverty means more than having material resources. It also means getting an education, having quality medical care, and developing "life" skills; such as proper communication and the ability to use judgment and make decisions.

Stereotypes

Many people have stereotypes about "poverty" and families and children who are considered "poverty-stricken." According to statistics provided by the National Center of Children in Poverty, 35 percent of children born between 1970 and 1990 experienced poverty at some point in their childhood. Families often experience hard times and due to unforeseen circumstances, such as unemployment, may fall into poverty. Poverty can happen to people of all classes and races.

Challenges

Children living in poverty or at risk for health, behavioral, social and emotional problems because of the challenges their families face in day-to-day living. Special challenges facing families dealing with poverty include having utilities turned off, missing rent payments, poor child-care facilities, substandard medical treatment and sometimes running out of food. Impoverished children may also face a certain "stigma" with friends and peers at school, making it difficult to have a normal childhood.

Help

Several organizations are championing the cause of "child poverty." One such organization is "Save the Children." It was first founded in 1924 and is recognized by the Better Business Bureau as an accredited charity. It operates in 50 counties, including the Unites States. The goal of the organization is to provide families with the tools needed to break the cycle of poverty.

Another well known charity is "Feed the Children." It is a non-profit organization headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The focus of this organization is getting food to hungry children and their families in the United States and internationally. During the 30-year history of "Feed the Children," over 133 million pounds of food and other necessities have been shipped to families in need in 50 states and 34 foreign countries.

References

• Ten Important Questions about Child Poverty and Family Economic Hardship
• Save the Children
• Feed the Children

Resources

• National Center for Children in Poverty