When the subject of child poverty comes to mind, our immediate thoughts go to somewhere outside of the U.S.. Many large charities as well as the media, put emphasis on children suffering on other continents. We do not think that children are affected by poverty close to home.

The hidden issue of child poverty in the U.S. takes place in New Mexico, with the rate of 31 percent of children living under the poverty line. According to a Rewire report, these statistics are drastic in comparison to the national child poverty rate at 22 percent.

A study done by New Mexico Voices for Children states that one of the main factors that play into the issue of child poverty is lack of funding for education. The shocking reality is that 75 percent of New Mexico’s fourth-graders are not proficient in reading, 80 percent of eight-graders are not proficient in math and 25 percent of students take more than four years to graduate high school.

The other problems involve family poverty with research suggesting that in order to sustain a household, families need an income over two times the federal poverty rate. In 2014, a report said that an income below $23,850 for a family of two adults and two children was considered impoverished. Along with this, another study stated that 62 percent of children in poverty are with parents who do not have a high school degree. Also, 60 percent of impoverished children are raised by a single parent.

In an attempt to raise awareness for this issue, an ad campaign titled “New Mexico Truth” shows the realities of child poverty in New Mexico. These ads are a parody of “New Mexico True”, the state’s tourism campaign which emphasizes the cultural, historic and environmental sites. This awareness campaign was created by Allen Sanchez who is in charge of a Catholic children’s organization. In talking about his campaign, he says “How can we live knowing that this is the state that has the highest rate of children in poverty? The third highest in hunger? The worst graduation rate? All of this is connected, and if we do nothing then we’re failing ourselves”.

Monique Jacobson, the tourism secretary for the “New Mexico True” campaign, responded to the “New Mexico Truth” campaign saying “I found it to be heartbreaking. I do think it's critical that we draw attention to what's going on with our children and our families here in New Mexico, but I think there's a way to do it that's actionable and that's positive, and unfortunately I think they did it in a way that was destructive and divisive.”

While some lawmakers are making strides in changing New Mexico’s education program, Sanchez believes its not enough. Sanchez and many others believe that government funding has gone to tax cuts and tax credits that have not improved the state’s current economy. To combat this, Sanchez plans on releasing more ads this summer.

While much of our attention on child poverty goes overseas, it is important that we support other Americans in the fight to end child poverty at home. To support organizations that combat child poverty in New Mexico, visit “New Mexico Voices for Children”. It is crucial that Americans start taking focus on child poverty in the U.S. in order to support our country.