Nutrition is vital to the healthy development and well-being of all people. Proper nutrition supports healthy weight and growth. Our programs promote the nutritional well-being of maternal and child populations across the life course.
Our approach to nutrition
We integrate nutrition activities across broad health programs. We partner with state public health agencies, universities, and community organizations. Through our investments and partnerships, we increase access to nutrition services, strengthen the MCH nutrition workforce, and work to decrease childhood chronic disease.
MCH Nutrition Training Program
We fund seven MCH Nutrition Centers of Excellence to train future and current MCH nutrition professionals, both graduate and undergraduate, to promote the healthy nutrition of mothers, children, and families. Awardees also provide continuing education and technical assistance to local, state, and national organizations.
National Survey of Children's Health
We fund and direct the largest survey on children's health and well-being that collects data at both the national and state levels. The survey collects information on a variety of topics, including breastfeeding and infant feeding practices; food sufficiency; consumption of sugary drinks, fruits, and vegetables; and obesity. We make this data available so that policymakers, researchers, and others can use it to improve the lives of children and their families.
Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services Block Grant
We partner with U.S. states and jurisdictions through our Title V MCH Services Block Grant. States decide how to use the funding. This helps them address the priority health needs in their state, such as supporting programs that increase access to whole, healthy foods and reduce childhood chronic disease.
Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program
The MIECHV Program provides grants to states and jurisdictions to support voluntary, evidence-based home visiting services that give families with young children the tools they need to thrive. Trained home visitors partner with families to set and achieve goals that improve health and well-being, reduce chronic disease, and support breastfeeding, healthy nutrition, and exercise.
Healthy Start
We invest in communities to improve health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy so that all moms and babies can be healthy. Local Healthy Start projects tailor services to the needs of their communities and connect families with high quality health services. Nationally, Healthy Start projects strengthen nutrition and food security through breastfeeding education, lactation counseling, and collaborations with local WIC, SNAP, and food pantries to reduce food insecurity and improve health outcomes for mothers, infants, and their families.