Food insecurity— the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life, is too common in the United States. It is especially common among children in the U.S., affecting approximately 13 million or 1 in 6 children. Food insecurity is a complex problem with overlapping causes that can include but are not limited to: insufficient financial resources, unaffordable housing, social isolation, lack of time to purchase and prepare healthy foods, chronic disease and associated medical costs. Poverty and food insecurity are closely linked. Overlaying these influences are sophisticated marketing efforts by some food and beverage companies to promote unhealthy food and beverage products to adults and children. Despite efforts from government and non-government organizations like U.S. food banks, the levels of food insecurity among children continues to rise.
The From Now On Fund recognizes the broad determinants of poor child nutrition in the United States and will choose to support solutions that similarly aim to influence both specific and broad policies, priorities and decisions affecting child nutritional status. We seek to build a more consistent and dependable nutritional safety net and will be driven by good evidence and goals of equity to ensure children do not experience food insecurity.