Poverty leaves many children behind in Michigan

Educators in Michigan are finding themselves battling the effects of poverty and the state's faltering economy. As is often the case with social injustice, the youngest citizens suffer the most.

Half of all schoolchildren in Muskegon County qualify for free or reduced lunches—more than 40% of them getting lunches for free. In 2004, the last year for which a number is available, 9,782 children in the county were living in poverty—a 34% increase since 2000, according to the Kids Count in Michigan 2007 Data Book.

For many children in poverty, their biggest safety net is their school. It is there where they find stability, regular nutritious meals, warm surroundings and caring teachers. Read more in The Muskegon Chronicle online.