Survey Finds More New Jersey Kids Living In Poverty
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A survey of child well-being in New Jersey finds more kids living in families without enough food or making enough money to meet their needs.
The Kids Count survey released on Tuesday shows a sharp rise in the number of children whose families receive food stamps.
It finds one-third of New Jersey children -- 619,000 kids -- living in low-income families.
Cecilia Zalkind, executive director of Advocates for Children of New Jersey, which produced the state report, says more families from every walk of life are struggling economically.
The survey found the percentage of children whose parents did not hold a full-time job rose from 25 percent in 2009 to 27 percent in 2010.
Zalkind has called on state officials crafting the budget to invest more in child care, preschool, school breakfast and tax credits for the working poor.
The report finds eroding state support though families need it more.
Zalkind said since Gov. Chris Christie took office more than two years ago, spending on subsidized child care has declined $42 million.
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