Celebrating 2023 at Feeding Matters and getting one step closer to creating a world where children with PFD will thrive.

A lot can happen in 365 days. And with the collaborative work of our dedicated team, the unwavering commitment of our volunteers and partners, and the generosity of our donors, we can make a huge impact in just one year.

At Feeding Matters, we’ve always emphasized the importance of celebrating every milestone, no matter how small or large. As we wrap up this remarkable year, let’s take a moment to revel in the accomplishments that fill us with pride and gratitude.

Family Support

Ensuring that no family walks the path of PFD alone has always been at the core of our mission. This year, we’ve taken significant steps to fortify our Family Support programs and ensure they remain effective and trauma-informed for years to come. Highlights include:

• Launching an initiative to transform our Family Support programming from a trauma-informed len.
• Supporting four families through the Family Assistance Program, which provides direct financial support to families in the throes of PFD
• Extending support to over 420 families through our family coaching programs, including over 150 Power of Two matches
• Empowering over 3,800 individuals through our Family Guide to PFD
• Creating memorable experiences with Family Experience Photo Shoot Events in Arizona

Education

Our commitment to collaborative care for PFD has driven us to provide comprehensive education to professionals and families alike. This year’s achievements include:

• Hosting our 2023 International PFD Conference, reaching over 1,000 individuals from 65 countries which was the most number of countries that had ever attended
• Delivering impactful presentations at national conferences, international conventions, and local universities
• Empowering over 4,000 individuals through our PFD tool kit
• Reaching over 7,500 individuals with our ARFID and PFD infographic

Research

Igniting research and supporting the transition from evidence informed practice to evidence based practice has been a pivotal focus. This year, we’ve made significant strides by:

• Publishing our research in Child: Care, Health and Development on the landscape of treatment options for children with PFD
• Launching and facilitating the PFD/ARFID Consensus Summit
• Ensuring that families have a significant role in shaping the future of PFD research.

Advocacy & Outreach

Our advocacy and outreach efforts work to give a voice to those who need it most and to create ripples of impact as we work to make sure PFD becomes a household name by 2026. Highlights include:

• Hosting our first-ever Arizona Signature Event, Feed the Cause, raising over $109,000 from the generosity of our Arizona community
• Strengthening our presence in local communities, including Ohio, Southern California, and Arizona with the incredible passion from our Community Councils and on the ground volunteers
• Increased our digital footprint to spread awareness about PFD and how individuals can seek help
• Conducted a highly successful PFD Awareness Month, featuring our inaugural PFD Awareness Month fundraising campaign, “Call it PFD,” raising over $21,000
• Sharing 12 new PFD stories on our website to spread awareness and ensure families do not feel alone when facing PFD

Overall, 2023 has been a year of growth, progress, and preparing. We expanded the number of staff and volunteers, diligently followed our strategic plan, and embraced collaboration to build meaningful partnerships. Achieving the Candid Platinum Transparency Seal from GuideStar and receiving a clean financial audit status further demonstrates our commitment to excellence and to children with PFD.. We’ve had a successful year and are looking forward to even more Family Support, Education, Research, and Advocacy next year as we build the future we want to see, one milestone at a time.

Thank you for being an essential part of our Feeding Matters family and for celebrating with us.