Help Children in the United States

Millions of children living in poverty in America do not get a fair chance to succeed in life because of where they’re growing up. In nearly every state, there are stark disparities among the experiences and opportunities for children – with pockets of promise and great disadvantage.

Data from Save the Children’s 2021 U.S. Complement to the Global Childhood Report shows that children who are poor, live in rural areas and communities of color are more likely to go hungry and lack access to remote learning tools – as well as have families struggling to pay bills.

Far too many children in America are facing unrelenting disadvantages that are devastatingly compounded by COVID, and urgent action must be taken to ensure they have the childhoods they deserve.

Advocate for children in the United States by joining our political advocacy arm — Save the Children Advocacy Network's —  efforts to send a message to Congress. Tell Congress: Nutrition is getting harder to afford — and families need more support.

The Challenges for Children in the United States

Sadly, today, the U.S. continues to lag behind most peer countries in meeting the needs of children and families during the pandemic. States where children are faring best are not necessarily the ones with the lowest COVID infection rates, but rather those with resources and protections in place for children and families.

Map of best and worst places to be a child in the U.S.

Best states for kids during Covid-19

Minnesota
Utah
Washington
New Hampshire

worst states for kids during covid-19

Louisiana
Mississippi
Texas
New Mexico

Closing the Childhood Equity Gap for Kids in America

Families are suffering in every state and at every income level, but the poorest families are struggling the most. 

A girl stands in a hallway with a hand-drawn face mask covering her mouth and nose.
  • Hunger in households with children is up by almost two-thirds
  • At least 1 in 4 children does not always have the tools they need for distance learning
  • Nationwide, two-thirds of U.S. families are having difficulty making ends meet
  • Children in Black and Hispanic families are twice as likely as white children to face hunger
  • 3 in 5 adults in households with children reported symptoms of depression

Our Results for Children in America

Thanks to giving people like you, our work for children in the United States is making a difference. Last year, we changed the lives of over 328,000 children.
 
  • 42,000 children lifted from poverty
  • 9,000 children healthy and nourished
  • 260,000 children education and empowered
  • 89,000 children protected from harm
  • 241,000 children aided in crisis

Our Work for Children in America

Since 1932, Save the Children has been on the ground providing support to the most isolated and underserved children in rural America. From our earliest days in Appalachia – helping children and families hardest-hit by the Great Depression – to today, our U.S. team goes where others cannot. 

Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, we are the leading organization in rural America’s poorest communities equipping parents and caregivers with the skills they need to be their child’s first and best teacher. Plus, our teams are there before, during and after U.S. emergencies. We’ve been on the front lines meeting children’s most critical needs in every major U.S. disaster since Hurricane Katrina.

Together with Save the Children Action Network, Save the Children is a leading advocate for children, ensuring their voices are heard and their best interests are prioritized. We fill critical gaps in services and deliver scalable solutions to the challenges children face.  

Our sponsorship program gives a child growing up in need in America the opportunity for a brighter future. Sponsorship directly benefits a sponsored child’s community, ensuring access to quality education and the opportunity to grow in a nurturing environment. 

Coronavirus & Kids: Resources from Save the Children

You’re not alone. As the world’s leading expert on childhood, we’re providing parents, schools and communities with tools and tips you can trust about coronavirus (COVID-19) and kids. Together, we’re doing whatever it takes to protect our children.

 

How to Help Children in America

Donate
Support Save the Children’s mission. Donate to help children living in poverty in the U.S. and around the world survive and thrive.

Join Team Tomorrow
Join Team Tomorrow and your monthly donation will go toward addressing the needs of children affected by today’s most urgent issues.

Browse the Gift Catalog
Give a unique a meaningful gift that will bring joy – and change lives. Find something for everyone on your list.

Sources: *Unless otherwise noted, facts and statistics have been sourced from Save the Children’s monitoring and evaluation experts and from the 2021 U.S. Complement to the Global Childhood Report. 

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