Child poverty is on the rise in the US. Here is what that looks like in Tampa Bay.
“Poverty is on the rise across the nation, according to recent data from the U.S. Census. That is especially true for families with children: The child poverty rate more than doubled from 2021 to 2022, rising from 5.2% to 12.4%. The latest census figures reflect both the end of pandemic-era measures that drastically reduced poverty, as well as the cost of living rising at a breakneck pace. In Tampa Bay, the reality for struggling families like Cay’s is especially palpable, advocates say. Fueled by exponential population growth, the region has experienced some of the highest increases in housing costs, along with inflation of essentials like food and gas.”