School-age children, including adolescents, fall short on consuming essential nutrients to support learning, activity and development. In fact, the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans highlights how many children and adolescents aren’t getting enough high-quality protein, iron, zinc, choline and vitamins B6 and B12. These nutrient deficiencies are especially alarming given the significant growth and development that happens during this life stage. When you consider this and the additional risks of hunger and the long term consequences of food insecurity and nutrient deficiencies, it becomes apparent that we need to change the assumptions, mindset and conversation around childhood hunger.

Tune into this episode to learn about:

• Nutrition, hunger and social responsibility
• The prevalence of food insecurity and risk factors for childhood hunger
• How the pandemic and rising food costs are impacting families with school age children
• Why childhood/adolescence is a pivotal time for proper nutrition yet nutrient deficiencies are common during these years
• How some children and adolescents aren’t getting enough high-quality protein, iron, zinc, choline and vitamins B6 and B12
• How families are coping with hunger
• How schools and communities are coping with hunger
• Short term and long term consequences of hunger
• Social responsibility – what it means and what we need to know
• Strategies to include nutrient rich foods that are accessible and affordable

Full shownotes and resources at: https://soundbitesrd.com/225

This podcast episode is a paid collaboration between Sound Bites® and Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner®., a program of the Beef Checkoff.