Iowa's children and families continued to experience tough economic times during 2010, according to a report released this week by CFPC. "Iowa Kids Count 2010: Trends in the Well-Being of Iowa Children" showed the economic situation for families, particularly moderate- and low-income families, has shown no improvement from previous years.

The unemployment rate and the percentage of people receiving food assistance (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP) both more than doubled from 2000 to 2010. In addition, the child poverty rate and the percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunches saw substantial increases during the past decade.

"This year's report shows that the economic well-being of Iowa's families and children continued to deteriorate or stagnate in 2010," said Michael Crawford, CFPC senior associate and author of the report. "The percentage of individuals needing food assistance has increased 167 percent since 2000 while the unemployment rate has risen 137 percent during this same time."

The health and education condition of Iowa children, however, has shown improvement during the last 10 years. The teen birth rate has decreased and the majority of the child-mortality indicators have shown improvement. Educationally, high school graduation, grade-level testing proficiency and preschool enrollment all have increased.

"Economically, 2010 was a continuation of the previous tough few years for Iowa families," said Crawford. "It is a concern how long these economic conditions will last. At the same time, it is encouraging that the health and educational status of Iowa children have shown improvement during the past decade. It is vitally important that the critical health and education programs supported by the state continue as families struggle to regain their economic footing."

The Iowa Kids Count Data Book provides health, education, welfare and economic data on 20 indicators of child and family well-being, and is distributed to public officials, legislators, state agencies, libraries, media and interested individuals and organizations throughout the state. Iowa Kids Count is supported by a grant from the Baltimore-based Annie E. Casey Foundation, which supports Kids Count activities in all 50 states.