That was the result of a summit in Jefferson City on Tuesday, to examine poverty problems.

More than 450 people from nearly 50 different organization from across the state came together at this year's Missouri Poverty Summit.

The event began with guest speakers Sister Berta Sailer, from Operation Breakthrough, and Kimberly Keith, from Treasures Recycling, describing their experiences with poverty.

Following the speakers, five panelists discussed the issues of concern and their vision within the core areas of poverty: hunger, health, education, housing and energy, and economic and family security.

Summit attendees used the information they learned at the event to brainstorm ways to end poverty in the state.

"I think the ideas can range from literally writing your legislature, writing a letter to the editor, pulling together a group of people to provide canned goods for a local food pantry," United Ways President Linda McAnany said.

The Missourians to End Poverty coalition reported 781,842 Missourians live in poverty today. About 8.1 percent are unemployed.

During this economic recession, there is a wide gap between the rich and the poor. While wealth increased by 8.5 percent, poverty increased by 12 percent.

And of that 781,842 Missourians living in poverty, 263,483 are children.

That's why Jefferson City Daycare Director Donna Scheidt attended the summit. Its focus will be on educating at-risk kids, providing more daycare, and making schools more accountable.

"Children that are at homes where there is more stress can be at greater risk for abuse or neglect," Scheidt said. "Sometimes just having their basic needs met is very difficult."

Jefferson City Daycare serves low-income families within the area. For about 25 years, Scheidt's witnessed the positive impact her daycare has had on poverty-stricken families.

Tammy Hearn brings her three children to the daycare.

"I feel safe bringing my kids here. I feel safe for my kids, bringing them here," Hearn said. "This is a program that really opens the doors to help people that don't have the money for this, or the kids can go to school here. This program has helped a lot, I know, for myself."

The Jefferson City Daycare is already taking small steps towards solving a big problem... steps the summit group think could work everywhere.

The coalition will present a resolution to Governor Nixon. It will request a task force to focus on the effects of poverty in each Missouri community.