Marking the third installment in the five-city Children’s HealthWatch Policy Action Brief Series, Hunger: A New Vital Sign, Children’s HealthWatch published a new Policy Action Brief – “Making SNAP Work for Families Leaving Poverty.”

The Philadelphia brief sheds light on how families in Philadelphia experiencing the SNAP cliff effect (when even a modest increase in earnings results in a disproportionate loss in SNAP benefits) struggle to make ends meet as they continue to work towards economic independence.

In 2013, more than 1 in 5 children in Philadelphia County were food insecure, over twice the national average. Children under the age of four are especially vulnerable to the negative effects of food insecurity, as they are in a critical time of brain and body growth. Research by Children’s HealthWatch demonstrates the negative child health consequences associated with food insecurity, including higher risk for poor health, hospitalizations, and developmental delays.

By seeking creative solutions across local, state, and federal policies, we can improve the health and development of young children and create access to opportunities for economic independence for all families.