In the 2013-2014 school year, 40.7% of students received meals categorized as free or reduced-price.

Poverty undermines children’s healthy development and has lasting effects on children’s physical and social-emotional health.

While the total population of Vermont has grown to an estimated 626,630, our child population has fallen since the 2000 Census count of 147,523 to an estimated 122,701 kids in 2013.

Between 2000 and 2010, the rate of pregnant women in Vermont receiving early prenatal care ranged between 80 and 85 percent.

70% of Vermont’s housing stock was built prior to the 1978 ban on lead paint.  Lead paint and dust from lead paint are the primary sources of lead exposure for children.

7.5% of Vermont’s children received Reach Up (TANF) benefits in 2011; a 27% increase from 2007.

Teen mothers often have fewer resources than older parents to provide for a healthy baby and for themselves.

Babies with low birthweight – under 5.5 pounds – are at risk for respiratory conditions, cognitive and developmental delays, and other long-term health complications.

98% of Vermont’s children have health insurance.