Children who experience chronic poverty are more likely to lag behind their more affluent peers in language development, delaying literacy and hindering academic success at all grade levels.

 

Poverty affects health by limiting access to proper nutrition and healthy foods; shelter; safe neighborhoods to learn, live, and work; clean air and water; utilities; and other elements that define an individual’s standard of living. 

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Children raised in poverty are likely to remain in poverty when beginning their own families, creating generational cycles of poverty. 

 

Poverty is the largest risk factor for dropping out of school before completion.