Because of this, children have become increasingly at risk and vulnerable. Many do not have the services they need in order to be happy, healthy, and educated. In Michigan, economic security for children weakened in the 1980s and continues to fall. In terms of children ages six or below living in poverty Gratiot County ranks 47th and it also ranks 35th in the state of Michigan giving free or reduced priced lunches. The welfare system needs to be changed because two thirds of welfare recipients are children, most are under the age of six.
Most families have the ability to find jobs, but they are usually low paying, part time jobs.
Reasons for this problem of poverty are numerous. It is obvious that as the number of people or families living in poverty increase, so does the number of children. Another major cause is the fact that the number of families headed by single women is increasing every year. Whether it is teenage mothers or divorced women, the wages they earn are very often not enough to maintain a healthy and comfortable life for them and their children. A possible cause for this problem in Gratiot County is a lack of major industry.