Latest news with #childnutrition
CTV News
17 hours ago
- Business
- CTV News
Food bank faces record demand and donation decline as summer pressures mount
FILE - In this 2018 photo, kids eat lunch at an elementary school. (Ellen O'Nan/The Paducah Sun via AP) As the summer season begins, the Barrie Food Bank reports record-breaking demand for assistance at a time when donations are typically at their lowest. In May, donations to the food bank were down $13,000 compared to the same time last year, while client visits continue to rise. 'May brought 7,460 visits, a record high for us,' said Karen Shuh, executive director with the Barrie Food Bank. Shuh said the surge in demand includes a growing number of children and seniors. Last month, the food bank served nearly 2,600 children under 18 and more than 330 seniors - both new records. "We're seeing more and more people accessing our services due to job loss, reduced hours, rising rent, mortgage renewals and the general cost of living," the executive director added. Shuh highlighted that food insecurity can happen to anyone. 'Many are first-time visitors who never imagined needing a food bank, which is becoming a growing theme." With school now out, the food bank expects need to continue rising as many families will face additional expenses like daycare and summer camp. Recognizing the growing need to support children during the summer break, Food Banks Canada stepped in with support through its 'After the Bell' program - so for the first time, Shuh said Barrie would receive funding to provide nutritious, child-friendly food packs to local children in need. And Shuh said it couldn't have come at a better time. 'The summer months are historically lean for donations.'
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Ferne McCann cruelly mum-shamed for breastfeeding her two-year-old daughter & others also spot ‘massive choking hazard'
FERNE McCann has been cruelly mum-shamed for breastfeeding her two-year-old daughter. Not only this, but others also spotted a ' massive choking hazard ' as the Dancing On Ice and TOWIE star shared what her daughter eats on a typical day. 8 8 8 8 Posting on social media, alongside a clip of her breastfeeding Finty, who she shares with her fiancé Lorri Haines and was born in July 2023, the 34-year-old shared: 'So we always start our day off with some breast milk.' Following this, Ferne explained: 'Then she had a breakfast bagel with cheese and egg. 'She didn't wanna sit in her chair today, so here she is, lady of leisure, just chilling, watching TV. 'I'm gonna be honest, we don't usually make a habit of her sitting on the sofa, but you know, sometimes you just wanna get them to eat and this was what happened this morning." Later in the morning, Ferne shared: 'So she's having a decaf tea, then she had a little breakfast bar.' As Finty strolled around their home, Ferne recognised: 'She had a banana, just waltzing around - she shoved the whole thing in her mouth and then asked for more more.' For Finty's lunch, Ferne served up her 'favourite' dish - a macaroni cheese made with broccoli, alongside a side of hummus and carrots and cucumber. To this, Ferne acknowledged: 'She wasn't really into the little baby crudite, she prefers red pepper. 'More interested in just licking off the hummus, although she did prefer the cucumber. 'She absolutely smashed all of the broccoli cheesy mac.' After lunch, for snacks, Finty tucked into some melon and blueberries, and then for dinner, Ferne made sweet and sour chicken with red pepper, chunky onions and cashew nuts. Ferne then added: 'Served it with rice and then she had grapes to accompany and she absolutely loved it. 'And then more berries al fresco with her sister [ Sunday ] to finish off the day.' The star later wrote: 'Also she has another breastfeed before bed but forgot to film.' 8 Social media users react Ferne's TikTok clip has clearly left many open-mouthed as it was shared just two days ago but has quickly racked up 158,400 views, 4,476 likes and 96 comments. But trolls were out in full force and questioned Ferne's decision to continue breastfeeding her daughter. One person said: 'Two is far too old to be breastfeeding, this is more a mum not wanting to let go.' To this, someone else replied and claimed: 'Agree! It's strange.' Different parenting styles explained There are four recognised styles of parenting explained below: Authoritarian Parenting What some might describe as "regimental" or "strict" parenting. Parents with this style focus on strict rules, obedience, and discipline. Authoritarian parents take over the decision-making power, rarely giving children any input in the matter. When it comes to rules, you believe it's "my way or the highway". Permissive Parenting Often referred to as "soft parenting" or "yes mums/dads". Permissive parents are lenient, only stepping in when there's a serious problem. They're quite forgiving and they adopt an attitude of "kids will be kids". Oftentimes they act more like friends than authoritative figures. Authoritative Parenting Authoritative parents provide their children with rules and boundaries, but they also give them the freedom to make decisions. With an authoritative parenting style, parents validate their children's feelings while also making it clear that the adults are ultimately in charge. They use positive reinforcement techniques, like praise and reward systems, as opposed to harsh punishments. Neglectful or Uninvolved Parenting Essentially, neglectful parents ignore their children, who receive little guidance, nurturing, and parental attention. They don't set rules or expectations, and they tend to have minimal knowledge about what their children are doing. Uninvolved parents expect children to raise themselves. They don't devote much time or energy to meeting children's basic needs. Uninvolved parents may be neglectful but it's not always intentional. A parent with mental health issues or substance abuse problems, for example, may not be able to care for a child's physical or emotional needs consistently. Another added: 'My god. Give her a cup of milk.' Whilst a third gasped: 'Breastfeeding and a nappy at two years of age!!!' Not only this, but others spotted a 'massive choking hazard' as one user advised: 'Please watch your children while they eat and get them to sit down - massive choking hazard to let them walk around.' Ferne's breastfeeding journey But this isn't the first time Ferne has been shamed for breastfeeding Finty. Earlier this year, the reality TV star explained: 'Haven't posted about my breastfeeding journey in a while, but I still get a lot of people asking if I'm still doing it. 'In complete honesty, I've been a bit nervous to share about it lately. Even though I'm such a big advocate for breastfeeding, the truth is, I've been afraid of what people might think or say now that Finty is 20 months old. 'I'm sharing this because if you're like me and still feeding, and you're feeling pressure to stop or wondering if it's 'not the norm' to breastfeed past one, I just want you to know…there are plenty of mums still doing it. Keep going, mamma. 'However it looks, do your normal. 🤎' Not only this, but also on social media, Ferne previously wrote: 'I get asked all the time 'Are you STILL breastfeeding?'' To this, the mum-of-two confirmed: 'To me it feels like the most natural thing in the world. And I wonder when the question changed from 'are you breastfeeding?' To 'are you still breastfeeding?' 'There's so much misinformation about how long breastfeeding is 'appropriate.'' 8 8 When to stop breastfeeding? The NHS recommends breastfeeding your baby exclusively (feeding them breast milk only) for the first six months, but it's completely up to you to decide when you want to bring it to an end - and there's really no right or wrong way to do it. The NHS says stopping breastfeeding often happens gradually as your baby begins to eat more solid foods. They note that solid food shouldn't replace breast milk, as there is evidence to suggest breast milk helps a baby's digestive system when processing solid food for the first time. "Once they are eating solids, your baby will still need to have breast milk or formula as their main drink up to at least their first birthday. "Cows' milk isn't suitable as a main drink for babies under one, although it can be added to foods, such as mashed potatoes,' recommends the NHS. You can also combine breastfeeding with formula and the NHS claims "phasing out" of breastfeeding is often the easiest way - for example, dropping one feed in the day or at night time. After around one week, you can begin to think about dropping another. The NHS advises: "If your baby is younger than one year, you'll need to replace the dropped breastfeed with a formula feed from a bottle or (if they are over six months) a cup or beaker, instead.' What's the average age to stop? You can breastfeed your baby for as long as you want and while the NHS recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months, you shouldn't feel like you cannot continue for longer. The World Health Organisation explains: "Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to six months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond."
The Herald
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald
USAID cuts threaten ‘God's food' made in Georgia for children in need
He has vowed to keep his factory going and his 130 workers employed, even as the Trump administration has slashed 90% of USAID contracts and $60bn in US assistance across the board. One possibility is finding another international aid organisation to support the manufacture and distribution of Mana's peanut paste packets, each about the size of a cellphone. Most of the product, which also includes powdered milk, sugar and vitamins, goes to Africa, where Moore served as a missionary in Uganda for 10 years. 'It saves children who are at the brink of no return,' said Mark Manary, an expert in childhood nutrition at Washington University's Institute for Public Health who helped develop the paste's formula. 'It's hard to wrap your mind around the need.' Manary said the food created in Georgia and at a similar operation in Rhode Island, Edesia Nutrition, is an important link in the global effort to stave off starvation of children in countries where the main killer is malnutrition. Moore hopes legislators and the Trump administration will see the value in the work and put the money back into the new federal budget. 'I believe the US government will remain involved in global food aid,' he said, adding he has spoken to Republicans and Democrats who want the work to continue. Moore is also seeking contracts with other organisations that specialise in humanitarian aid for children in crisis, including Save the Children, International Rescue Committee and Unicef. The organisations did not immediately respond to a request for comment. One bright spot in recent years was an infusion of cash from Chris Hohn, a hedge-fund billionaire based in London and a philanthropist with the Children's Investment Fund Foundation. Hohn's charity did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In recent years, Hohn has given more than $250m to Mana Nutrition, according to Moore, much of it spent on expanding the plant, more than doubling its space and adding new machinery. However, Mana needs new contracts to go forward, or another donation from philanthropists. 'We've been put on Earth for a purpose,' Moore said. 'Jesus told his disciples to go and feed the people. So we've been hustling nonstop.' Reuters
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Free summer meals, grocery support for keiki available
As the school year concludes, families across Hawaii can access a suite of free programs aimed at keeping children fed and healthy during the summer months—when many students lose access to the meals they usually receive at school. 'No child in Hawai 'i should go hungry just because school is out, ' Deborah Zysman, executive director of Hawaii Children's Action Network, said in a statement. 'These summer meal programs help ease the burden on families while keeping our keiki healthy and nourished. They provide essential meals now, and help build healthier communities for the future.' Three primary resources are available to support low-income and working-class families this summer. All are funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and implemented in partnership with the state Department of Education, the state Department of Human Serv ices, Hawaii Child Nutrition Programs and various community organizations statewide. Eat-On-Site keiki meals Free meals will be available at dozens of schools, parks, libraries and community centers for any child or teen under 18—no registration or ID required. These meals must be eaten on site in supervised settings that encourage safe, communal dining. 'When school is out, many children in low-income communities lose access to the consistent meals they rely on, ' Greg Waibel, CEO of YMCA of Honolulu, said in a statement. 'That's why programs like the USDA Summer Food Service Program are so critical. As a Summer Food Service sponsor through our YMCA's at Kalihi, Leeward, Nuuanu and Waianae Coast ; and community sites at Barbers Point Elementary, Pohakea Elementary, US Vets Waianae, and Waipahu Safe Haven—all located in communities with high need—we're able to reach these children where it matters most, providing free, nutritious meals in a safe and supportive environment.' Families can find participating meal sites using the Hawaii Afterschool Alliance's 2025 Summer Programs + Meals map at /seasonal-programs. Locations offering Eat-On-Site meals are marked with yellow icons. Kaukau 4 Keiki kits Kaukau 4 Keiki offers families in eligible areas free weekly meal kits filled with fresh, local food. In addition to feeding children, the program supports Hawai 'i's local farmers and food vendors. 'Kaukau 4 Keiki is more than just a summer meal program—it's a lifeline for families on the Wai 'anae Coast and a vital link to Hawai 'i's local food systems, ' Avary Maunakea, executive director of Kahu mana, a nonprofit that supports vulnerable families through farming and community development, said in a statement. 'By sourcing fresh ingredients from local farmers and vendors, we're not only feeding our keiki but also investing in our community's long-term resilience. It's a powerful model of how food security and economic sustainability can go hand in hand.' To check eligibility or apply for Kaukau 4 Keiki, visit Maui families can find local resources through SUN Bucks grocery benefits In addition to meal sites and kits, families can also receive $177 per eligible child for groceries through the new SUN Bucks program. The funds can be used at most local grocery stores and farmers' markets to help close the summer nutrition gap at home. Most qualifying families were supposed to receive the benefits automatically by mail in late May or early this month. Others may need to apply by Aug. 3. More information is available at and 'As a parent, summer can be really stressful when school meals aren't available, ' Tara Mossman, a college student and mother of a special needs child, said in a statement. 'SUN Bucks helps me stretch our grocery budget and gives me peace of mind knowing I can afford to buy healthy food for my son. These programs truly make a difference for families like mine.' While these summer meal programs provide critical support, their future may be uncertain due to proposed federal budget cuts. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act, ' which includes significant reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs and Medicaid. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill would reduce federal Medicaid spending by $793 billion and SNAP funding by $230 billion over the next decade. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that roughly 7.6 million people could lose Medicaid coverage under the proposed changes, and millions more may lose access to SNAP benefits. As of Fiscal Year 2024, approximately 161, 600 individuals in Hawaii participated in the SNAP program, representing about 11.2 % of the state's population. While specific data on the number of children benefiting from SNAP in Hawaii is not readily available, nationwide trends indicate that a significant portion of SNAP recipients are children. In addition to SNAP, Hawaii participates in the Summer EBT program, known locally as 'SUN Bucks.' For the summer of 2024, approximately 100, 000 children in Hawaii were eligible to receive Summer EBT benefits, totaling around $12 million in grocery assistance. These benefits are provided to help families purchase food during the summer months when school meal programs are not in operation. The proposed federal budget cuts, including reductions to SNAP and Medicaid, could significantly impact these programs. HCAN expressed concern, stating that the FY25 federal reconciliation budget includes substantial cuts to SNAP, which would reduce the number of keiki who automatically qualify for Summer EBT and school meals. HCAN encourages families to check their eligibility for Summer EBT benefits at /states / hawaii. Families who do not automatically qualify are urged to apply before the Aug. 3 deadline to ensure they receive assistance during the summer months.
Mail & Guardian
02-06-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Childhood stunting is also stunting South Africa's economy
More than a quarter of South African children under the age of five are chronically malnourished. That's bad for them, their families and the economy. (Envato) Make a list of the country's 10 priorities for national development. Now whittle them down to five. Does your shortlist include giving children enough nutritious food to eat? If not, you're missing an essential part of what countries need to grow their economies. Children who are well nourished and ready to learn, grow up to be skilled and productive workers that drive economic growth. South Africa has a stubbornly high stunting rate; if a child is too short for their age, it is an indication of chronic malnutrition. Despite tough economic circumstances, we can make a huge difference to child nutrition. Peru halved its rate of stunting among children in Make proteins cheaper The The body can convert excess carbohydrates into some amino acids — the building blocks of protein — but it can't produce nine amino acids that are essential for normal growth. Child obesity among poorer children is often linked to a shortage of protein as cash-strapped parents buy cheaper processed foods and starches. This is why we are seeing an increase in the percentage of children who are All of society — government, business, civil society and trade unions — must unite to make a basket of protein-rich staples far more affordable. Another protein-rich food that must be made more affordable is infant formula. Globally, the profit margin on infant formula is north of This suggestion may sit uncomfortably with some, who might view it as undermining the message that 'breast is best'. The reality is that over half of all Make sure minerals and vitamins are added to food Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals — An effective way of making sure children are getting enough micronutrients is to add them to food staples like maize meal and wheat flour, and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition found that 83% of maize meal in Gauteng and 69% in the Eastern Cape was unfortified or insufficiently fortified. Stricter enforcement should improve compliance, but it would be better if industry just did it without constant policing. There are other effective strategies to supplement micronutrients during pregnancy and the first two years of life. Instead of giving pregnant mothers iron and folate pills during pregnancy, they should get 15 different minerals and vitamins combined in one daily pill. This approach Among at-risk children aged six months to 24 months, small quantity lipid nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) Healthy food for pregnant women Babies born with a birth weight below 2 500g, a Western Cape survey published in 2023 has shown, are The Western Cape government recently Community health workers Countries that have significantly reduced stunting have one thing in common: they can Community health workers (CHWs) are best placed to spot this problem because they visit families regularly, but they are not provided with basic scales to measure weight. Instead, they are issued with coloured tapes to measure Limit the advertising of unhealthy foods Parents want what is best for their children. However, the messages they are most exposed to are not from advocates of healthy living but from the Big Food industry which often encourages eating habits that lead to high blood pressure and diabetes in adulthood. The government should convene a meeting of the dominant food players to forge an agreement towards a healthier nation, which should include constraints on the advertising of unhealthy foods. The five objectives outlined above are attainable even in a cash-constrained environment, but they won't happen without leadership and coordination. The National Food and Nutrition Council is yet to be constituted, but even if it were, its decisions would still need to be rolled out by departmental officials who are relatively junior in the government hierarchy. Good nutrition is so vital to socioeconomic progress that consideration should be given to appointing a 'nutrition czar' with enough authority to drive a strong national programme that could reset the country's trajectory of development over the next decade. David Harrison is a medical doctor and chief executive of the This story was produced by the . Sign up for the .
