PolicyLab at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has released a new report that reviews scientific evidence supporting ten key economic security policy areas. Developed in collaboration with the Maternity Care Coalition (MCC), the report concludes that expanding or introducing these policies could strengthen financial stability for children and families, especially as cost-of-living pressures continue to rise. Although the report is targeted mainly at policymakers in Pennsylvania, it also offers relevant insights for officials in other states.

“Studies indicate that only about half of individuals born in the 1980s—many of whom are now parents of young children—earn more than their parents did, which raises significant concerns about children’s financial security and opportunities for upward mobility,” said Dr. Meredith Matone, Director of PolicyLab. “Our review highlights how programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and Head Start can positively influence children’s long-term health, education, and financial outcomes when families receive support starting in pregnancy and early childhood.”

This report is part of PolicyLab’s Evidence to Action series, which translates high-quality academic and community-based research into practical recommendations that policymakers can use to improve outcomes for children and families.

“The findings provide a roadmap for state legislators in Pennsylvania and nationwide to strengthen economic security for families now and in the years ahead,” said Rebecka Rosenquist, PolicyLab’s Deputy Director for Policy and Strategy.

“We analyze how each policy area affects children’s long-term health, educational success, and financial stability, and assess the potential benefits of expanding or introducing these policies. While each policy is important on its own, implementing them together could create meaningful progress for children and families.”

Bucks County Opportunity Council Inc. (BCOC) has been awarded a $400,000 Community Impact Grant by KeyBank Foundation, the charitable arm of KeyBank. This funding aims to enhance food accessibility and promote health equity within Bucks County. The grant will support the expansion of BCOC’s food distribution network, foster community collaboration to address food insecurity, introduce nutrition education programs to encourage healthier eating habits, and bolster the organization’s retail rescue operations.

Erin Lukoss, Executive Director of BCOC, expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership with KeyBank, stating, “KeyBank has consistently supported our mission to alleviate poverty in our community. By improving access to food and addressing health equity, this generous grant will enable us to meet the growing needs of our residents and strengthen our programs to make a greater impact in Bucks County.”

Bucks County faces pressing challenges related to food insecurity and health inequities. Many residents struggle to access nutritious food, negatively affecting their overall well-being. Feeding America’s “Map the Meal Gap” report highlights that 6.6% of Bucks County residents—more than 42,000 individuals, including approximately 12,690 children—experience food insecurity.

Alarmingly, nearly half of these individuals may not qualify for government assistance programs like SNAP due to income limitations. As the county’s primary food agency, BCOC addresses these issues through a network of over 75 providers dedicated to meeting the nutritional needs of low-income households.

Youseff Tannous, KeyBank’s Eastern Pennsylvania Market President and Market Retail Leader, shared KeyBank’s commitment to the cause, saying, “We believe everyone in our community deserves access to healthy, nutritious, and affordable food. We are proud to support BCOC in their efforts to combat food insecurity and advance health equity for Bucks County residents.”

This grant aligns with KeyBank’s $40 billion community investment plan, which prioritizes economic access and equity nationwide. The plan includes initiatives in affordable housing, home and small business lending, green projects, and transformative philanthropy, with a focus on workforce development, education, and creating safe, thriving neighborhoods for underserved populations.