SNAP KEPT 2 MILLION KIDS OUT OF POVERTY

Government programs can effectively reduce childhood poverty in the United States. Using the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM)—a more comprehensive measure of economic security than traditional poverty thresholds—illustrates the strength of the government to cut the incidence of poverty. SNAP kept 2.9%, or nearly 2.2 million children out of poverty in 2011, second only to refundable tax credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit, which kept 6.3% percent, or 4.7 million children above the SPM poverty threshold. Other programs such as Social Security, housing subsidies, unemployment insurance, and school lunch programs also have significant positive impacts on the lives of children.

Source: Economic Policy Institute, 8/1/14, Child Poverty