Delta Regional Authority aims to ease child poverty

When we think about rural America, we are all too quick to think of the prevalent poverty in small towns. Nearly one in four rural Americans living in poverty are children, and those numbers are higher in the Delta region. A child growing up in the Delta is 43 percent more likely to live in poverty than her fellow Americans. These are children living without sufficient food, shelter, education, and opportunity to grow and thrive.

However, we are not always reminded of the fact that our farmers feed the world, our people overwhelmingly serve and protect this country, our renewable and natural resources drive factories and communities, and our Main Street business owners represent our country in global marketplaces.

Because we are living in an environment in which public funds are restricted and needs are high, we cannot rely on the government alone to address this issue. As members of these communities, states, regions, and this country, we must be more aggressive and innovative in finding ways to support partnerships between those Main Street business owners, community organizations, congregations, and local governments to better the lives of those most vulnerable among us.

Rural America has historically contributed great things to this country, but for our rural businesses and communities to remain a competitive segment of our national economy, we must do more to address childhood poverty.

Understanding that rural communities face unique and serious challenges when it comes to combating rural child poverty is a first step. I am encouraged by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and the White House Rural Council's commitment to find solutions to this often overlooked issue, giving it the regional and national attention it needs. As a proud member of the White House Rural Council, the Delta Regional Authority understands this issue and its impact on growing economies.

Last month, the Council of Economic Advisers, Domestic Policy Council, and Office of Management and Budget released a report "Opportunity For All: Fighting Rural Child Poverty" that outlines the challenges facing children in rural America and the steps that we must take to change their realities.

By changing the realities of rural children, we change all of our realities. Our cities, states, and regions cannot be competitive on a global level when, according to the USDA, a fifth of our rural population in the South is living in poverty.

We all stand to gain something by lifting children out of poverty. When communities have low levels of poverty and a skilled, healthy workforce, industry takes note. When low-income earners feel safe at home, have enough to eat, and aren't worried about their children's health and well-being, they are more productive employees and more eager consumers.

Fortunately, we have numerous partners and peers already addressing the challenges facing rural children living in poverty. Share Our Strength is fighting childhood hunger in Delta states by partnering with organizations to ensure that children are getting meals throughout the summer and outside of school hours. Jobs for America's Graduates is a strong and close national partner that has seen proven success in guaranteeing that graduating students are ready to go to work. With a trained and educated workforce, our youth have greater opportunities to obtain good-paying jobs and grow strong, healthy families. These examples represent just a couple of the members of the team creating thriving rural communities and families that serve as the necessary beacons of hope that every child in America deserves.

The DRA's work of creating climates of opportunity in the Delta region already aligns closely with the recommendations of the report.

While organizations like the ones just mentioned are working directly with children, the DRA is able to tackle issues facing rural parents, like the lack of workforce training opportunities, job creation and retention, and access to clean water and sewer systems. This dual-generational approach is a comprehensive plan that will ensure that those lifted out of poverty are not at risk at returning.

The DRA will continue to work tirelessly to improve the lives of the people of rural America and the Delta region. We will work closely with our federal partners on the White House Rural Council and local partners in the Region, including local officials, churches, community organizations, schools, and business leaders to ensure our policies and investments create opportunities for children and families. Our goal is that every child in rural America will grow up in a healthy environment and achieve economic success. This is good for families, for businesses, and for America.

Chris Masingill is the federal co-chairman of the Delta Regional Authority.