Back to All Events

Spotlight on child poverty in America

  • Congressional Visitors Center HVC Room 201 AB Washington, DC 20515 (map)

Child poverty in the United States is an urgent and pervasive issue. 13% of children in America -- approximately 9.6 million children -- live below the poverty line. Children experience poverty at a rate 62 percent higher than adults. We can all agree is that no child should be without the basics and that every child deserves the best shot at life. Our children can’t wait.

In honor of National Children’s Week, this event will feature remarks from Members of Congress, thought leaders, advocates and service providers working to address child poverty on the national, state and local level.

In collaboration with Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI)

SPECIAL GUEST: Humanitarian and Chef, José Andrés

--

BACKGROUND

For millions of children, living in poverty means that access to nutritious meals, quality education, medical care and a safe place may be lacking, intermittent or missing all together. The U.S. continues to have a much higher rate of child poverty than its peer countries.

Red Nose Day, Comic Relief USA’s campaign to end child poverty, is proof that millions of Americans are aware of the reality of child poverty in the United States. The public not only cares deeply about this issue, but are also doing their part to reduce poverty by helping to raise over $190 million, and counting, in five years.

A new landmark study from the National Academy of Sciences proves that child poverty is solvable if there is the political will to act and support from a range of sectors, including the public.

Logoblock-ECP-01.png