Overview

Recent research proves that children who grow up in poverty, particularly deep, persistent poverty are more likely to struggle in school and have mental health problems. Later in life, of these same children, the girls are seven times more likely to become a teen parent; the boys are five times as likely to be incarcerated. The percentage of children living in poverty, which was previously in decline, is now rising. As of 2007, over thirteen million children are living in poverty. 

More than 30 million people in the U.S. are provided with nutrition assistance. Formerly known as food stamps, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is available for families earning less than 130 percent of poverty. 

NCSL can provide assistance with a number of different programs designed to support struggling families, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women Infants and Children (WIC) and others. 

Staff Contacts: 

Jack Tweedie, Group Director, jack.tweedie@ncsl.org

D.C. Staff:

Sheri Steisel and Emily Wengrovius can be reached at 202.624.5400 or fedhumserv-info@ncsl.org.