Latest Census data show an increase in childhood poverty

Sep 13, 2024
Despite wage gains, lower-income families have been hit hard by inflation and the expiration of pandemic-era benefits.
In 2021, largely because of a temporary expanded child tax credit, only about 5% of children lived in poverty. Now,  nearly 14% of children do.
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Food insecurity climbed in 2022 as pandemic aid ended

Oct 26, 2023
Nearly 13% of U.S. families struggled to put food on the table that year, according to the USDA — 5 million more households than the year before.
Nearly 5 million more households experienced food insecurity in 2022 than the year before. Above, a halal food distribution drive in Brooklyn.
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Phasing out of pandemic-era federal aid for child care sparks alarm

Sep 22, 2023
A new report warns that the looming withdrawal of pandemic-era aid for childcare could hurt children and families.
More than 70,000 child care programs will likely close after they lose their federal pandemic aid, according to a recent report from the Century Foundation.
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As the expanded child tax credit draws to a close, yet another study highlights its positive impact

Apr 20, 2022
It's been especially important to low-income families and families of color.
Studies show that many parents have used the expanded child tax credit to purchase healthier food and household necessities.  
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Wednesday's child tax credit payments could be the last

Dec 15, 2021
The expansion of the child tax credit was temporary and will expire at the end of the year unless Congress votes to extend it.
Children draw on a canceled check prop during a rally in Washington urging extension of the expanded child tax credit.
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Necessities top child tax credit spending

Aug 13, 2021
Payments to households with children have been made for the second month after a first round that cost $15 billion.
Most parents who received a child tax credit used it on necessities, like groceries, utilities or school supplies.
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The expanded child tax credit could "cut poverty in half"

Jun 28, 2021
Starting July 15, most parents will get monthly payments for half of the tax credit instead of a lump sum at tax time.
More parents will be eligible for the child tax credit this year. Above, a mother and daughter stand outside of a community food pantry in New York.
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For public good, not for profit.

Here’s who will benefit from the expanded child tax credit

May 18, 2021
Under the American Rescue Plan, eligible families could receive a monthly payment for each child under 18.
The American Rescue Plan provides expanded benefits for families with children under the age of 18.
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Relief bill could lift millions of kids out of poverty by expanding tax credit

Feb 24, 2021
Eligible parents could get monthly checks under the proposal instead of a yearly credit when they file their taxes.
According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the U.S. has one of the highest child poverty rates in the developed world.
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The child poverty rate today is the same as in 1990

Jun 17, 2019
In 2017, the child poverty rate was 18%. Go back nearly three decades to 1990: also 18%.
Children play as a woman, a member of the Navajo Nation, fills bottles of water at a public tap on June 05, 2019 in Thoreau, New Mexico.
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