Access to regular meals is something many of us take for granted. But child hunger and poor nutrition have been a global problem for a long time. When a country lacks resources, is at war, or doesn’t have policies in place to help, children go hungry.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 8 percent of U.S. households with children struggled to feed everyone in the home regularly during 2016. And a 2017 report from the United NationsTrusted Source found that global hunger is rising. About 155 million children under 5 are too short for their age, and 52 million weigh much less than they should for their height. Stunted growth and low weight are both a result of not getting enough meals with the nutritional elements needed for proper health.
Hunger isn’t the only challenge we face. Childhood obesity in many countries is a major cause of chronic health issues like asthma, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionTrusted Source, U.S. childhood obesity has more than tripled since the 1970s.
MENTAL HEALTH HELPLINES
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE (USA) 1-800-273-8255
Suicide prevention
Available 24/7
Website also in Spanish
SAMARITANS (UK) 116123
Suicide prevention
Depression and anxiety support
Available 24/7
Free to call telephone number
SUICIDE NATIONAL HOPELINE (USA) 1-800-784-2433
Available 24/7
Also available in Spanish 1-888-628-9454
LIFELINE (AUS) 131114
Suicide prevention
Available 24/7
ANXIETY UK (UK) 08444 775774
Support for anxiety and related problems
Open Monday-Friday 9.30am-5.30pm
MIND INFORMATION LINE (UK) 0300 123 3393
Help and advice on mental health for adults and young people
Open from 9am-6pm Monday-Friday
Not open on bank holidays
INTERNATIONAL BIPOLAR FOUNDATION (SPAIN & USA) 1-800-784-2433
Suicide Prevention
Bilingual
Busy helplines at times – limited resources during busy periods
Spain helpline can be reached on 914590050
EATING DISORDERS & NEGATIVE BODY IMAGE HELPLINES
NATIONAL EATING DISORDERS ASSOCIATION (USA) 1-800-931-2237
Monday-Thursday from 9am-9pm and Friday from 9am-5pm
Closed for public holidays
Help and advice for people affected by eating disorders
BEAT (UK) 0808 801 0677
Provides support for anybody affected by eating disorders, anorexia, bulimia, EDNOS
Open 365 days per year from 3pm to 10pm
THE BUTTERFLY FOUNDATION (AUS) 1-800 33 4673
Open Monday-Friday from 8am-9pm AEST
Closed for public holidays
Personalized and confidential support for eating disorders and body image negativity
ANAD (USA) 1-800-931-2237
Offers support and encouragement to people affected by eating disorders
Provides referrals for treatment
Open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm
When governments don’t have the resources or programs to help, nonprofits can provide valuable assistance. These organizations are working hard to raise awareness and get food to children in need.
ACTION FOR HEALTHY KIDS
The organization works to bring more physical activity and nutrition lessons to schools in the United States. It provides schools with grants, volunteers, and information needed to start and expand healthy eating programs and physical education.
NO KID HUNGRY
The nonprofit doesn’t just help kids while they’re in school. It also provides parents with the resources they need to successfully feed their kids a healthy diet. The Cooking Matters program teaches parents how to shop on their budget and cook healthy meals with the food they buy.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH (NIMH)
NIMH provides trustworthy information about mental health disorders as well as information on a range of mental health topics and the latest mental health research. If you or a loved one is considering taking part in clinical research, NIMH can equip you with information about clinical trials and how to find one at NIMH or across the country. They also have free brochures, booklets, and e-books to help educate the public about mental health and mental illness.
THE CARTER CENTER MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM
A non-governmental, not-for-profit organization guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. It seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health by bringing together health leaders and organizations.
Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres)
A non-profit organization delivering emergency medical aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters or exclusion from health care.
Partners In Health
A non-profit health care organization focused on providing a preferential option for the poor in health care by establishing long-term relationships with sister organizations based in settings of poverty.