Agencies That Help Needy Children

According to a 2006 study done by the National Center for Children in Poverty, almost 13 million kids in the United States lived in poverty. The NCCP defines low-income households as those where the income level is 200 percent lower than the U.S. poverty level. Due to a weak economy and an increasing number of single parent households, more children than ever need food, clothes and other necessary items. Charities and nonprofit organizations work hard to help needy children.

Shocking Statistics

Although America is considered to be a rich nation, 18 percent of children are part of families who have an income that is under the poverty level for their state. Although poverty affects all kinds of families, Latino and African American children have twice the risk of being born into a poor household. A frightening 16 percent of kids live in a household where having enough food is a concern. Many of these kids eat inadequate meals, especially on weekends when school provided lunches are not available to them.

Feeding America

Feeding America is a nationwide nonprofit organization that runs food banks throughout the nation. Although it provides canned goods and meals to people of all ages, it has a special program especially for kids. The youth program Kids Cafe gives free snacks and meals to children from low-income families. Kids can receive their free food at a safe haven, such as a church or youth sports club. Feeding America's workers and volunteers can also help to enroll the children in free after-school activities.

The Children's Aid Society

The Children's Aid Society does just about everything to help kids and parents who are struggling. It can help families find donations of warm clothing, food and other necessities. If a parent and child are living in a situation where the other parent is being physically or mentally abusive, the Children's Aid Society can help to place the parent and child who are in danger in a safe house. It can also provide foster care and adoption for children who are abandoned.

How to Find Help

Feeding America has a nationwide food bank locator that will help you find sources of free food in your community using your zip code or state (see Resources). Your local food bank, in turn, can direct you to free food programs in your community. Every county also has a human services office that can provide residents with information on what government programs that they may qualify for. Single parents with minor children are normally eligible for some type of aid if their income is below a certain level. Parents who need food and clothes for their children can also ask a local church about available programs. You can also phone 211, which provides referrals for help with food, housing, employment, health care, and counseling in many communities. The 211 referral service is a free services sponsored by United Way and can also be accessed online (see Resources).