Child Poverty Rate

Poverty Rates Remain Consistent Despite Increases in Prosperity

Why is it important?

Economic stresses directly impact the development and welfare of children. Studies show that children raised in poverty are more likely to be exposed to factors that can impede brain development: inadequate nutrition, substance abuse, maternal depression, environmental toxins, trauma or abuse, and poor day care.7 Due to lack of housing choices for low-income wage earners, many families are forced to move frequently, disrupting the community support system. In addition, many neighborhoods where low-income families can afford to live do not have safe or adequate outdoor play areas to help promote learning and development. As prosperity increases in the Sierra Nevada, directing benefits of our growing economy toward these children and the future we share is critical.

How are we doing?

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of the Census reports that for the North, North Central, and East Sierra, child poverty rates decreased from 1990 to 2000. However, a more accurate picture of the number of children in need can be determined by reviewing enrollment in a school’s free or reduced lunch program. In order to qualify for these programs, the school children must come from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the poverty level.8
According to the California Department of Education, child poverty has decreased in the North Central Sierra, remained steady in the South Central Sierra, and increased in the East Sierra. The North region has experienced a significant fluctuation with a dramatic increase since 1999, although this may be due to reporting inconsistencies. All four subregions, however, remain well below the percentage of children in California enrolled in the Free School Lunch Program.

7 National Center for Children in Poverty, Columbia University, New York, NY. http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/nccp/.

8 http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Lunch/AboutLunch/NSLPFactSheet.pdf

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