Young children, whose brains and bodies are rapidly developing, can face lasting consequences from inconsistent access to basic nutrition. Unfortunately, younger children are more likely to live in poor and food-insecure families than older children, putting adequate healthy food out of reach.
Research shows the federal food programs SNAP and WIC lessen the impact of hardship in early childhood and improve health and economic stability into adulthood. SNAP and WIC serve nearly one in three children under 5 in this country. We need to keep these programs strong for our children’s basic health, well-being and our country’s future.
– Zoë Neuberger, Senior Policy Analyst, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities