Childhood Poverty

22% of all children in the U.S. live in families with incomes below the federal poverty level, $23,021. An average family of four needs twice that much in order to pay for basic needs. This sickens me. Being that I have gone through this humbling experience before, I understand how hard it is to sit and think about what I need and separating that from what I want. Practicality is key these days, and there is not much room for things that will just take up space. Fortunately enough, there are ways to better yourself further in life by making hard decisions that will benefit you in the long run.


Research is clear that poverty is the single greatest threat to children’s well-being. This means no food, shelter, family, friends, or having anything to depend on except yourself and the clothes on your back are your shelter. The awareness of childhood poverty is high but the actions are scarce. Doing something little, like donating clothes you no longer wear to a shelter or to someone you know that is in need. Another thing a child needs to grow is happiness. Happiness is key in a child’s life and without it the child may not develop correctly physically and mentally.