Wednesdays4Kids September 30

-- Christian reading from Mark 9:36-37

NEW Child Poverty Statistics for Minnesota Available: The Census Bureau released statistics this month from the American Community Survey reflecting the status of residents in Minnesota. The poverty rate increased only slightly from 9.5% to 9.6% in 2008. It should be noted, that the survey was taken before the full effects of the recession.

Key Minnesota statistics around on the status of children:

• 11.3% of children under 18 years old are living in poverty in Minnesota. 
• For families the poverty rate is 6.2% and for families with children under 18 years, the poverty rate is 9.8%, and for families with children under 5 years the rate increases to 12.7%. 
• In Minnesota there are 78,629 children living without health insurance (6.3% of children in the state). 
• There are 108,098 children not enrolled in school in Minnesota between the ages of 3 and 17.
• The median household income is $72,008, and 12.5% of children are living in households with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), cash public assistance income, or Food Stamp benefits.

Countdown to Children’s Sabbath: The Children’s Sabbath weekend for 2009 is scheduled for October 17th-18th.

• Children’s Sabbath manuals available: We still have a few, if you would like one sent to you or your congregation, please email Rachel. You can also save time and resources by downloading the manual here. 
• Ideas for Children's Sabbath: Along with using the Children's Sabbath manual, congregants at Faith United Methodist Church in Waseca are collecting money to be used for the Healthy Snack cart at their local elementary school where over 41% of the students are on free or reduced lunch. The money they collect will be used to provide snack coupons to free and reduced lunch students. Tell us your ideas, by sending us an email. 
• Contacting your Elected Officials: We have resources available if you would like to encourage your congregation, both adults and children, to contact their elected officials to express concern about the state of children in Minnesota. Click here for a sample letter that you can send.

Join the Interfaith Children’s Advocacy Network on Facebook to stay informed!