Report: 1 in 6 Children Go Hungry

A new report says nearly one in six Georgia children live on the brink of hunger and the number is growing. The report is by Feeding America, a national network of food banks. Looking at data from 2005 to 2007, the report found more than 450,000 children in Georgia are food insecure - that is, unable to consistently access adequate amounts of nutritious food that is necessary for a healthy life. The food insecurity data shows an increase in Georgia when compared to USDA data collected between 2004 and 2006.

(Associated Press)

Georgia ranks high for uninsured children

Georgia ranks No. 5 in the nation in its number of uninsured children. Data released Thursday by Families USA highlights the number of children lacking health care across the nation using new data from the U.S. Census Bureau. From 2005-2007, the state saw an average of 307,000 uninsured kids - or 12.1 percent of children in the state. The number was unchanged from the preceding three-year period. The report says 86.2 percent of uninsured Georgia kids are in families where at least one parent works.

(Associated Press)

Eleven children found living in squalor in Burke County

In eastern Georgia, a remarkable and sad discovery...eleven youngsters living in squalid conditions.

The children range in age from nine months to 18.

Officials say they apparently lived in a cramped home in Burke County, with no electricity or water and little food.

They say some of the children tried to break into another house.

When deputies followed them home, they discovered the squalor.

Media reports say they've interviewed the mother, and are now searching for the children's father.

The parents could face criminal charges.

Officials say the state's Division of Children and Family Services is attempting to place the children into foster care.