Save the Children Action Network Call for Focus on the “State of Our Kids”

SCAN urges candidates and lawmakers to prioritize kids in policies and budgets 

Contact: Melissa Taveras, Senior Advisor External Relations and Public Affairs at mtaveras@savechildren.org.

WASHINGTON (February 24, 2026) — As the nation tunes in to hear about the state of our union, Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) is calling on leaders across the political spectrum to focus on another urgent measure of our country’s strength: the State of Our Kids. 

In a pivotal election year, SCAN is urging every candidate and every member of Congress to commit to prioritizing early childhood education, child nutrition, and critical global assistance programs that protect children at home and around the world. 

“Kids’ issues remain siloed from national debate,” said Zoe Zawisa at Save the Children Action Network. “Our youngest population is ready to see a future where they are protected, supported and have a valued voice in the future we are building today.” 

Early Childhood Education: A Smart Investment in America’s Future 

The earliest years of a child’s life are critical to brain development and long-term success. Yet families across the country continue to struggle with the high cost and limited availability of childcare and early learning programs. 

SCAN is calling on Congress to increase and protect funding for early childhood education programs and strengthen support for the childcare workforce. Investments in early learning help children succeed in school and enable parents to participate fully in the workforce — strengthening local economies nationwide. 

Child Nutrition: No Child Should Face Hunger 

Nutritious food is essential for healthy development and academic achievement. School meals and summer nutrition programs serve as lifelines for millions of children across the United States, particularly as families continue to face rising costs. 

SCAN urges lawmakers to protect and strengthen federal child nutrition programs to ensure that no child in America goes hungry. Safeguarding these programs is a bipartisan responsibility and a moral imperative. 

Foreign Assistance: Protecting Children, Strengthening Global Stability 

American leadership in global child-focused programs saves lives, expands access to education, and promotes long-term stability. Strategic foreign assistance helps prevent crises, strengthens communities, and advances U.S. interests. 

SCAN calls on Congress to maintain strong support for international assistance programs that protect children from hunger, disease, and conflict. 

A Call to Candidates: Prioritize Kids  

As candidates seek voters’ support in the months ahead, SCAN is urging them to clearly articulate how they will advance policies that improve the lives of children. 

“The strength of our nation depends on the strength of our children, and we are ready to see a Kids First Agenda” said Zawisa. Kids know they are the future, and they are looking for leaders who will step up to support them now. Candidates, are you ready to fund a youth-powered future? 

SCAN will continue working with policymakers on both sides of the aisle to ensure children remain a national priority in legislative decisions and federal budget negotiations. 

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Save the Children Action Network advocates programs that benefit children and hardworking families, both in the United States and globally. We will continue working with leaders on both sides of the aisle to protect and strengthen investments in children, ensuring that every child, no matter where they live, has the chance to reach their full potential. 

Learn more about SCAN here: https://savethechildrenactionnetwork.org/