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DEERFIELD, Ill. — Almost half of Americans (49% of those surveyed) are unaware of the prevalence of childhood poverty in the U.S., according to a new national survey from Walgreens.
“This new survey shows that many people don’t realize how big of a problem childhood poverty is in our country, and even in some of our own communities,” said Adam Holyk, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Walgreens. “By helping to raise awareness, we aim to encourage more people to get involved and take whatever steps they can to help children in need here in the U.S. and around the world. ”
Citing U.S. Census Bureau data, Walgreens notes that approximately one in five children in the U.S. are living in poverty today, and that represents one of the highest childhood poverty rates among developed nations worldwide.
Walgreens’ first “Every One Counts Survey,” released on Tuesday, shows the importance of recognizing this issue in advance of Red Nose Day on May 24, an event that helps to raise funds to end child poverty. People nationwide can participate and show their support by purchasing a Red Nose for $1 until June 2, with all profits from all sales benefitting Red Nose Day. The company said it is a simple idea that helping end child poverty can start with buying one Red Nose at Walgreens.
Meanwhile, Walgreens is hosting the Every Child Counts exhibit 
at Millennium Park in Chicago. The exhibit features custom-made and sustainably sourced dolls in a display highlighting facts, figures and key areas around the world where Walgreens is working with cause partners to help end childhood poverty. Visitors are encouraged to take the dolls home and support the effort through purchases of participating products at any neighborhood Walgreens. Each doll will have a tag with information on how to continue to support the cause, as well as how to spread the word by sharing their own pictures with the #EveryChildCounts hashtag.
“Walgreens’ purpose is to champion the health and well-being of every community in America,” said Holyk. “We have committed to large-scale, long-term partnerships and initiatives focused on helping children in need, such as offering life-saving vaccines and providing essential vitamins and minerals to help combat malnutrition. Through our effort, including the Every Child Counts exhibit, we are encouraging our customers and the communities they live in to join us in making a difference.”
The Walgreens survey was conducted May 7 through May 11 by independent research firm PSB, among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 U.S. adults age 18 and above. Results are nationally representative of age, gender, ethnicity and education.
