As the first organization in the world to unite families and healthcare professionals to support children with pediatric feeding disorders (PFD), Feeding Matters is bringing out a much-needed change globally. This May, Feeding Matters proudly marks the 6th annual Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) Awareness Month, a global initiative that sheds light on the profound challenges families face when their children suffer from PFD. Since PFD Awareness Month’s inception by Feeding Matters in 2019, this month has served as a pivotal time to raise awareness about the medical, emotional, financial, educational, and social hurdles associated with this complex condition.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has once again declared May 2024 as PFD Awareness Month, underscoring the significance of this health issue, which affects more than one in every 37 children under the age of five across the United States. PFD, as defined, includes any form of impaired oral intake that is not age-appropriate and is associated with medical, nutritional, feeding skill, or psychosocial dysfunction, establishing it as a unique medical diagnosis.
Families navigating this challenging condition often face a lack of evidence-based resources, a misunderstood spectrum of symptoms, and the strenuous daily reality of feeding their children. This year, in a concerted effort to amplify its mission, Feeding Matters is collaborating with both the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). These partnerships aim to bolster support from feeding specialists and further mobilize community and professional backing.
In a spirited push to engage the public and foster greater involvement, Feeding Matters has unveiled a series of opportunities for community engagement throughout May. These initiatives include creating personal fundraising pages, purchasing specially designed merchandise, and participating in storytelling to educate and connect those affected by PFD. Join the movement at: Call it PFD
Jaclyn Pederson, CEO of Feeding Matters, passionately explains, “Raising awareness about Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) goes beyond mere recognition—it is a critical step to drastically improve health outcomes for children.” He added, “By designating May as Pediatric Feeding Disorder Awareness Month, we not only highlight this underrecognized condition but also facilitate equitable access to essential early interventions.” This highlights the aim of Feeding Matters to make PFD as well-known as autism by 2026. This visibility is crucial not just for recognition but also for supporting families through each challenging meal.
This year’s efforts by Feeding Matters also feature the Call it PFD Fundraising Campaign. Supporters are encouraged to engage by buying awareness-themed merchandise, like a PFD Awareness Month shirt, and sharing their involvement on social media with the hashtag #CallItPFD. Additionally, the community is invited to the upcoming “Feed the Cause: An Arizona Signature Event Supporting Pediatric Feeding Disorder,” set for November 7, 2024, at Papago Golf Club.
Beyond these immediate events, Feeding Matters continues to offer substantial resources. The Feeding Matters Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire is a critical tool designed to help families and physicians identify potential feeding problems early. The organization also facilitates an annual International PFD Conference, gathering over 1,000 professionals and family members to advance understanding and treatment of PFD.
As May marks PFD Awareness Month, every gesture of support, every shared story, and every resource accessed plays a vital role in transforming the care landscape for children with PFD. By standing together with Feeding Matters, we can ensure that the journey these families undertake with each meal moves from a path of isolation to one of support and hope.
To join the movement, visit Feeding Matters’ website and follow their journey on social media. Your support will help to bring pediatric feeding disorders into the light and ensure no family has to navigate this challenging journey alone.
