Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach, director of The Hamilton Project and senior fellow in Economic studies, discusses the importance of investments in children, especially those who are from low socio-economic backgrounds. She highlights issues such as early childhood education, child poverty, and food insecurity, issues about which The Hamilton Project has produced significant research and recommendations. "[W]e're dangerously underinvesting in children today. And there's emerging research that indicates that if we spend more on schools, if we make sure that families have more income, or if we alleviate food insecurity, that has a payoff not just today but down the line, in terms of more productive people when they grow up," Schanzenbach says. Also in this episode: a presidential election update with John Hudak. And our new Metro Lens segment with Martha Ross as she discusses Employment and disconnection among teens and young adults. Show Notes Expanding Preschool Access for Disadvantaged Children Strengthening SNAP to reduce food insecurity and promote economic growth In defense of federal food aid Thanks to audio engineer and producer Zack Kulzer, with editing help from Mark Hoelscher, plus thanks to Carissa Nietsche, Bill Finan, Jessica Pavone, Eric Abalahin, Rebecca Viser, Brionne Smith, and our intern Sara Abdel-Rahim. Subscribe to the Brookings Cafeteria on iTunes, listen in all the usual places, and send feedback email to [email protected]