The Great Recession’s Impact on Children

Since that first day of the millennium the United States has experienced two recessions. The first recession began in 2001 and lasted for10 months. The second, now referred to as the Great Recession, began in December of 2007, was approximately 18 months in duration and was followed by a weak and jobless recovery that has persisted into the second decade of this century. This commentary will examine how low-income children have fared in regard to economic security, food insecurity and housing instability as a result of the Great Recession and recent economic downturn. It concludes with a call to action for a renewed investment in our children through a Children’s Recovery and Stimulus Initiative.