Report reveals increase in child poverty in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. - The 2012 KIDS COUNT report shows that more Kansas children live in poverty and are enrolled in Medicaid and participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Child poverty continues to climb. In 2011, about 21 percent of Kansas children lived in poverty, up from 18 percent in 2007. These numbers mean more children are in need of federally funded Early Head Start child care. There are only 6.64 slots available in the Early Head Start programs for every 100 eligible children.

Statistics also prove that 48.68 percent of Kansas school children receive free or reduced priced lunch in 2012, and increase from 39.84 percent in 2008.

The statistical realities that play out in Kansas are also true for Johnson and Wyandotte counties.  If you would like to see the KIDS COUNT report for your county click here.