Topic: US Government

Nutrition for Growth Year of Action Advocacy Toolkit

Good nutrition is a human right and is fundamental to health and well-being. To support the nutrition advocacy community to continue building momentum during this 2021 Nutrition Year of Action, please visit the Nutrition Year of Action Advocacy toolkit bringing together a bevy of priority messages, resources, and social graphics to amplify key asks from ICAN and SUN CSN colleagues. The toolkit aims to inspire collective action on global nutrition towards the Tokyo Summit and other key commitment-making moments this year, including the Pre-Summit of the UN Food Systems Summit in July and the Summit in September.

Rashna’s Journey: Power 4 nutrition interventions in the 1,000-day window

Imagine a world where the darkness of malnutrition is extinguished and strong, healthy children can continue towards a bright, waiting future. With an investment in nutrition, we can help make that happen.

There are four essential actions (breastfeeding support, prenatal vitamins, specialized foods for wasting treatment, Vitamin A supplementation) we can take now to prevent children from dying of severe malnutrition. These interventions span the course of the critical 1,000-day period between a woman’s pregnancy and a child’s second birthday, when there is a unique window of opportunity to build healthier and more prosperous futures for mothers and their babies.

COVID-19 and Malnutrition Video

The coronavirus pandemic has ravaged the globe and disrupted food supplies, restricted—and in many cases, shut down–access to nutritious meals and health services for millions of children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. When we invest in nutrition, we CAN build resiliency, reduce disparities, and create conditions to ensure today’s children are nourished in ways that secures their health today, tomorrow and into the future.

Available in other in Spanish and French.

Extending Postpartum Medicaid/CHIP Coverage

Nearly half of all births in the United States are financed by Medicaid, which covers women for 60 days postpartum; however, 50% or more of pregnancy-related deaths occur after 60 days, and women of color are at the greatest risk. To help ensure all women in the U.S. have a healthy first 1,000 days, women with a Medicaid-covered birth should receive postpartum coverage for 12 months.

Birth & Lactation Support for a Healthy First 1,000 Days

Women need adequate support to have a healthy first 1,000 days. This brief explains the critical roles that birth doulas and lactation consultants play in improving outcomes and reducing racial and ethnic disparities during birth and the postpartum period.

The Looming Threat of Malnutrition in the COVID-19 Pandemic (Recording)

A recording of the virtual event The Looming Threat of Malnutrition in the COVID-19 Pandemic hosted by 1,000 Days, Bread for the World and InterAction.

Speakers included:
(Moderator) Jenny Marron, Director for Public Policy and Government Relations, InterAction
Congressman Jim McGovern
Skye Fitzgerald, Emmy and Oscar nominated documentary filmmaker
Karin Lapping, Nutrition Technical Director at FHI Solutions
Asma Lateef, Director at Bread for the World Institute
Shawn K Baker, Chief Nutritionist at USAID

Severe Malnutrition: A Devastating Side Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic

In an average year, 3.1 million children die from malnutrition – more people than the population of the city of Chicago. This year, COVID-19-related disruptions to food and health systems are causing rates of malnutrition to rise substantially. Experts are especially concerned about a dramatic rise in a dangerous form of malnutrition called wasting, which increases a child’s chances of dying by up to 11 times.

Find an unbranded version here.

Child Malnutrition Comparison Graphics – District Specific

Below are graphics putting child malnutrition deaths in perspective by comparing them to the populations of district-specific geographical locations. These graphics can be used by advocates to engage with Members of Congress, in op-eds, talking points, on social media and in any other collateral. The district-specific locations were chosen based off information on policymakers’ involvement with nutrition issues.

Arkansas

Boise, Idaho

Kansas

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Austin-Houston, Texas

Dallas-San Antonio, Texas

SNAP Matters During the First 1,000 Days

The 1,000 days between a woman’s pregnancy and her child’s 2nd birthday offers a unique window of opportunity to build healthier and more prosperous futures. This is when a child’s brain begins to grow and develop and the foundations for their lifelong health are built. Access to healthy, affordable food is critical to support the health and well-being of women and children during the first 1,000 days and beyond.

Evidence-based, proven programs that reach low-income families with nutrition assistance are a critical investment in the health and well-being of moms and babies. One such program is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Workers in Texas Deserve Paid Leave

We conducted multiple, in-depth interviews with four low-income women in Texas throughout their pregnancy and postpartum period. Each of these women, who vary in age, race, marital status, educational attainment and occupation, have one key thing in common: they do not have access to paid family and medical leave.

Learn more about what makes paid leave a public health imperative.