Topline:
More than 70% of parents in L.A. County with children under 6 are struggling to meet a basic need like food, housing, utilities, or childcare, according to a survey by the Stanford Center on Early Childhood. More than half struggled with food insecurity.
The survey: The survey collected responses from 1,375 parents in L.A. County between November 2022 and May 2024.
Rent vs. food: The survey found that food insecurity was at high levels in the county. “My biggest concern is not being able to pay rent, and if I do pay it, I won’t have enough for food,” one parent reported.
Parent employment: 90% of parents in the county are employed in either full-time or part-time work, but many reported concerns about not having enough hours. And 91% of parents reported experiencing parenting stress.
