In 1989, the House of Commons passed unanimously a resolution to eliminate child poverty in Canada by the year 2000. Numerous studies have underlined the impact of poverty on children. At the same time our understanding of the impact of poverty on children has been growing, however, so too has the number of children growing up poor in Canada. With the turn of the century only months away, the elimination of child poverty remains a distant dream. Its effects often take hold even before birth.
Babies born to mothers living in poverty more often have a low birth weight.
Research has shown that a low birth weight can cause serious, costly, and lifelong disabilities, and that good nutrition during pregnancy can often prevent these problems. As well, a number of health conditions in infants and children have been tied to the inadequacy of specific nutrients in the mothers prenatal diet. Strong and healthy babies grow into strong and healthy children, children able to reach their full potential. However, providing good nutrition for their children is beyond the reach of many families. The Committee recommended both an increase in the food allowance, and a subsidized food transportation system.