Category: Child welfare

According to research from Montana State University, children in foster care are at a higher risk for nutrient deficiencies and often exhibit challenging food-related behaviors linked to past trauma or neglect. This is precisely why food is important in fostering, as it offers a profound opportunity for healing, building security, and creating essential bonds within the family dynamic.

Following recent expansion phases in 2025, the number of pupils being offered free school meals in Scotland has risen to over 360,000. The total number of children in Scotland get free school meals under a combined system of universal entitlement and targeted support for low-income families.

Globally, undernutrition is a leading contributor to disease and compromised development, particularly in young children. This reality makes interventions that address food insecurity critical, and exploring the benefits of supplementary feeding program can highlight its significant role in improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, neglect was the most common form of child maltreatment reported in 2003, with nutritional neglect being a key component. Food neglect is a complex issue, often hidden, and can affect vulnerable individuals across different age groups, from infants to the elderly.

According to data from the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), households in the Southern region consistently experience higher rates of food insecurity than any other U.S. region. Understanding which state has the most hungry kids requires a closer look at the data, revealing that Mississippi and Arkansas frequently rank among the highest for childhood food insecurity.