Child poverty is a policy choice, let’s invest in ending it.

In 2023, New York ranked 40th in the nation in terms of child poverty, with over 18% of children living below the poverty threshold. Parts of New York State experience even higher rates of child poverty, including the Bronx (35%) and Syracuse (46%). In New York, 2 out of 5 households pay more than 30% of their income towards rent, and 1 in 5 pay over 50% of their income towards rent. The recently released NY State Comptroller’s Office report highlights that the number of homeless children has more than doubled between 2022 (20,299 children) and 2024 (50,773 children). Moreover, 1 in 7 children in the state struggle with food insecurity, and this number is even higher for undocumented families.

Research shows that that lack of economic resources for families compromises children’s ability to grow and achieve adult success, with long-term effects on their overall well-being.

Child poverty is a public policy and budget choice. With the historic goal of cutting child poverty by 50% by 2031, New York can achieve this by including the CPRAC recommendations that address the challenges of child poverty, housing, and food insecurity in the State’s 2025-2026 Budget. Together, we can make New York State the best place to raise a family.

Please take a few minutes and send a letter to the Governor and Legislature leaders urging them to support essential economic, housing and food security investments and reforms to help combat child poverty.