The Effects of the Recession on a Child in Poverty

A new analysis by First Focus and the Brookings Institute gives us a projection of the impact of the recession on children in 2010. The number of American children living in poverty is predicted to once again escalate as a result of the recession, as children receiving food stamps increased by 3.4 million in just one year, according to a new analysis released today by First Focus and Brookings researcher Julia Isaacs. As a result, public agencies and private charities will face significant hardships in their efforts to meet the needs of children and families throughout 2010, the report finds.

Statistics released last fall by the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that in 2008, nearly one in five children under the age of 18 lived in poverty. Experts acknowledge that this statistic does not capture the full impact of the economic downturn, which will drive 2009 poverty numbers even higher. New research released today examines child poverty rates as they relate to increases in families’ use of food stamps, now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

>>>Click here to read The Effects of the Recession on Child Poverty.