Almost one in four children in Europe live in poverty according to pre-pandemic figures. In 2019, it was estimated that 18 million children in Europe are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. Moreover, compared to their better-off peers, these children are also more likely to underperform at school, have difficulty finding a decent job and suffer from poor health as adults. The global health crisis is exacerbating this situation. The Secretary-General of Eurochild, Jana Hainsworth, says that countries across Europe are reporting "significant hardships" due to the pandemic. There has been a rise in the use of food banks and family homelessness has become an issue. The European Commission's European Child Guarantee policy initiative aims to put an end to child poverty, if governments sign up for it. To break the poverty cycle, the European Child Guarantee asks EU governments to make sure every child at risk has free education, childcare, good-quality healthcare and decent housing. This also includes a healthy school meal a day and the possibility to take part in activities at school including sport – all for free. The Guarantee puts into action the European Pillar of Social Rights which aims to lift at least five million children out of poverty by 2030. Over 10,000 children and young people participated in a consultation to shape the design of the EU's Child Rights strategy and Child Guarantee.