FIGHTING
CHILDHOOD
POVERTY

Why This Issue Matters

Raising awareness and advocating for effective policies and resources to combat poverty are critical for ensuring that every child has access to food, shelter, clothing and other necessities for a brighter future. Addressing child poverty is crucial for building a more equitable society and reducing long-term racial, social and economic disparities for our families. By focusing on these efforts, we can help break the cycle of poverty and create a stronger, more inclusive community for all children.

WCA’s Current Efforts

WCA’s Advocacy to End Child Poverty: New York State’s annual budget decisions play a critical role in shaping the resources and opportunities available to children and families. Westchester Children’s Association’s Response to New York’s FY27 State Budget highlights key investments, challenges, and opportunities in the ongoing effort to reduce child poverty and advance equity.

Parent Empowerment Groups:  uplifting parent’s voices, fostering community, and preparing them to advocate across issue areas of housing access, food programs, healthcare, and other necessities. Read our latest publication: From Lived Experience to Advocacy

Poverty Pulse: a new fact sheet on real-time data of Westchester families’ access to temporary supports. Read the Poverty Pulse.

WCA's Parent Empowerment Group Report

Read WCA’s report on the Parent Empowerment Groups training low-income families in Westchester County to advocate for themselves and their communities.

Take Action

  1. Explore the latest data on child poverty and family economic security in Westchester County.

  2. The 2026 Data Bulletin is WCA’s annual snapshot of the well-being of children and families across Westchester County. Chapter 1 examines demographic and economic trends, highlighting the growing challenges families face, including rising housing, child care, food, and healthcare costs. Through data, analysis, and community insights, the Bulletin provides advocates, policymakers, and community members with a deeper understanding of the factors impacting children and identifies opportunities to create meaningful change.

More Resources

New York Can End Child Poverty Coalition:
 – Learn about statewide efforts to reduce child poverty through advocacy, research, and policy solutions.

The Children’s Agenda’s Working Families Tax Credit Calculator:  –                                                                                                             – Estimate the tax credits your family may be eligible to receive under New York’s Working Families Tax Credit.

Women, Infant, Child Nutrition Services (WIC):                                                                                                                              – Find nutrition assistance, healthy foods, breastfeeding support, and referrals for eligible pregnant individuals, infants, and young children.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):                                                                                                                      -Learn about food assistance benefits that help eligible households purchase groceries.

Feeding Westchester:                                                                                                                                                                        – Locate food pantries, meal programs, and other hunger relief resources throughout Westchester County.

WCA’s Making Ends Meet Pamphlet (English):                                                                                                                                                   – Access WCA’s guide to programs and resources that can help families meet basic needs.

WCA’s Making Ends Meet Pamphlet (Spanish):                                                                                                                                                  – Descargue la versión en español de la guía de la WCA sobre recursos comunitarios y beneficios públicos.

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