UPDATED: Sept. 13, 2012 1:35 p.m.
America's poverty rate stands at 15 percent, a number that's remained fixed from the year before, according to Census Bureau released numbers Wednesday.
What's more, the United States ranks second in the world for highest relative child poverty rates at 23.1 percent, according to a recent study by UNICEF.
Find out what you can do to help fight hunger and poverty at home.
ORGANIZATIONS FIGHTING POVERTY:
Feeding America
Teaming up with food banks across the country, Feeding America takes a local approach to national hunger. It provides public assistance programs and pays particular attention to child hunger in the U.S. with meal programs during and after school, as well as in summers.
Get involved with Feeding America here.
Save the Children
This international organization fights child poverty in the United States by focusing on early childhood education outreach, healthy eating and exercise, disaster relief efforts, and child sponsorship opportunities.
Get involved with U.S. Save the Children or sponsor a child here.
Children's Defense Fund
Working with local and state organizations, the Children's Defense Fund provides after-school and summer school programs, youth leadership development, and faith-based action programs.
Get involved with Children's Defense Fund here.
Heartland Alliance
Heartland Alliance is fighting homelessness and poverty in the United States through housing and health care programs, as well as providing or promoting legal action on behalf of marginalized groups such as refugees, immigrants or asylum-seekers.
Get involved with Heartland Alliance here.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army works across the country, implementing programs of youth development, disaster relief, elderly services and sponsorship to meet the needs of Americans who go without.
Get involved with Salvation Army here.