The rate of child poverty in the U.S. decreased by more than half during the three decades that preceded the pandemic.
Many credit targeted welfare, and especially food benefits, for the good news.
The pandemic only confirmed this notion.
During that short time, when more Americans qualified for food assistance and cash aid, it showed. One non-partisan study found that the food benefits alone kept more than four million Americans above the poverty line and lowered child poverty by 14 percent.
Now, many states are returning to pre-pandemic levels of assistance, but with a post-pandemic economy of high inflation and increased costs at the grocery store.
We talk about the impact on children.
Guests:
- Dana Thomson, Senior Researcher at Child Trends
- Michelle Johnson-Motoyama, researcher and professor at The Ohio State University
- Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, Executive Director of the Ohio Association of Food Banks
Related Links:
- Lessons From a Historic Decline in Child Poverty
- Some state welfare policies linked to more foster care
- Ohio Association of Foodbanks — How to Help
- Expanded Safety Net Drives Sharp Drop in Child Poverty
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