Why Does Nutrition Security Matter for Our Children's Future?
When we talk about children's health, an important, yet overlooked, topic is nutrition security.
What is Nutrition Security?
Nutrition security goes beyond just having enough food to eat. A child that has nutrition security (or is nutrition secure) has consistent access to nutritious, safe, and culturally appropriate foods that support good health and development. For children, this isn't just about feeling full - it's about getting the right balance of nutrients during the most critical periods of growth.
A child with proper nutrition is more likely to:
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- Grow at a healthy rate
- Develop strong bones and muscles
- Succeed in school due to better cognitive function
- Have a stronger immune system
- Build healthy habits for life
How Food Security Shapes a Child's Development
Food security - having reliable access to enough food - is the foundation for nutrition security. When a child is food insecure, their physical, cognitive, and emotional development can be severely impacted.
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- Physically: Chronic hunger or poor nutrition can stunt growth and delay developmental milestones.
- Cognitively: Lack of essential nutrients affects brain development, concentration, and academic performance.
Emotionally: Food insecurity is linked to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and behavioral issues in children, affecting their ability to connect and grow in social settings, focus and retain knowledge in learning settings, and participate in character and personality development not tied to survival instincts.
Key Nutrients for Early Childhood Growth
During the early years, children need a well-balanced diet rich in the following nutrients:
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- Protein: Builds muscles and tissues (found in eggs, lean meats, beans, dairy).
- Vitamins:
- Vitamin A (vision, immune health – carrots, sweet potatoes)
- Vitamin D (bone health – fortified milk, sunlight)
- Vitamin C (healing, immune support – oranges, bell peppers)
- Minerals:
- Iron (brain development, energy – red meat, spinach, fortified cereals)
- Calcium (bone and teeth strength – dairy, leafy greens)
- Zinc (immune function – meat, legumes, seeds)
- Healthy Fats: Support brain growth (avocados, nuts, fatty fish).
- Carbohydrates: Provide energy for active learning and play (whole grains, fruits, vegetables).
Spotting Malnutrition and Nutrient Deficiencies Early
It's important to recognize the early warning signs of malnutrition in young children. Some red flags include:
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- Slow growth or weight loss
- Fatigue or low energy
- Irritability or mood changes
- Frequent illness or infections
- Dry skin, brittle hair, or delayed wound healing
- Developmental delays (speech, motor skills)
Pediatricians, teachers, coaches, neighbors, parents, family members, and neighbors equally bear the responsibility of recognizing these warning signs.
Together, Let's Learn and Support Nutrition Security in Our Communities
Nutrition security starts and ends with the community. Through education, access, support, and infrastructure, communities will develop and maintain programs and initiatives that work with their unique needs, built environment, and culture.
Key partners to connect with or engage in this work include local health departments, local food programs, community gardens, community kitchens, school meal initiatives, food councils, childcare centers, and more. These partners are a part of the local community food systems network and are essential to ensuring that every child and family can live a strong, healthy start in life.
NACCHO Launches New Course
The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) is proud to announce the release of a new course: Infant and Toddler Nutrition Security. This self-paced, online training is designed to support local health departments and public health professionals in advancing nutrition security for our nation's youngest and most vulnerable populations. The course includes resources and tools to equip health professionals with knowledge and tools to help facilitate and promote equitable nutrition practices in communities across the nation.
Course Details
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- Title: Infant and Toddler Nutrition Security
- Format: Online and self-paced
- Cost: Free
- Length: Approximately 3 hours
- Certificate: Certificate of Completion provided
Who Should Take This Course?
Whether you are a seasoned public health leader or those new to the field, this course enhances your work and is an ideal learning format for:
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- Local health department staff
- Community advocates and community builders
- Maternal and child health practitioners
- Nutritionists and dieticians
To enroll or learn more, visit NACCHO University. Log in to the NACCHO University portal or create an account if you do not have one. Once in the portal, use the course search bar to locate and enroll in the "Infant and Toddler Nutrition Security" course.
If you have any questions, please contact breastfeeding@naccho.org.
Have questions or ideas to support nutrition security in our neighborhood? Let's connect in the comments below!
#NutritionSecurity #ChildHealth #FoodForGrowth #HealthyKidsHealthyFuture #CommunityWellness
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Talei Moore
Program Analyst, MCAH
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
Washington DC
tmoore@naccho.org | (202)471-1206
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