PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 28, 2023) –Feeding Matters, the first organization in the world dedicated to advancing the system of care for pediatric feeding disorder (PFD), is pleased to announce it has received a $40,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities. This impactful gift, which is a part of the Fall 2022 grantee cycle, will support the organization’s Arizona Grassroots Outreach, Education and Support Initiative, which aims to spread awareness and screenings for PFD improving thousands of children’s ability to receive proper nutrition, promoting their healthy development, and increasing their access to quality medical care in Greater Phoenix. The limited diversity in the current demographic being reached by Feeding Matters’ programs highlights the importance of expanding the accessibility of our resources to reach vulnerable families in underserved communities. As a result, grant funding will be used towards the following: Meeting with organizations in the early childhood development space, with high-risk populations for comorbidities, and with government entities to share important information and resources on PFD. It will also support families that contact Feeding Matters by matching them with a parent coach/mentor. Additionally, it will allow the organization to provide more grassroots outreach by partnering with others, translating resource materials, and identifying additional areas in the local community that need information on PFD.  While the diagnosis of pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) came out in 2021, it is still quite a new diagnosis. Therefore, this work, supported by the Thunderbirds and other local organizations, is imperative to ensure healthcare professionals, organizations, and families alike are aware of PFD and the signs/symptoms as well as resources that a child may need. Early identification is key to mitigating the long-term effects of PFD. “We are extremely grateful for the generous support of Thunderbird charities,” said Jaclyn Pederson, chief executive officer of Feeding Matters. “This grant will aid in our efforts to heighten awareness of PFD, increase the number of children identified and to expand the accessibility of our resources to reach vulnerable families in underserved communities that are navigating this complicated disorder. We cannot help those we are not reaching. Support like this helps us ensure increased equitable access to screening/diagnosis and early interventions that will positively contribute to the health outcomes for thousands of children in Arizona,” Pederson concluded. “We are proud to support this initiative to provide families with the necessary resources for children with a pediatric feeding disorder,” says Michael Golding, President of Thunderbirds Charities. “Feeding Matters continues to be a valuable asset in our community providing life-changing programming for families seeking the best care for their children.” Visit  Feeding Matters’ Facebook or Instagram accounts to be inspired by the courageous families facing PFD and the professionals who support them. About Feeding Matters For kids with pediatric feeding disorder (PFD), every bite of food can be painful, scary, or simply impossible to swallow, potentially impeding nutrition, development, growth, and overall well-being. Yet, there is no functional system of care for PFD locally, nationally, or internationally. That’s why Feeding Matters is dedicated to creating a world where children with pediatric feeding disorder will thrive. Established in 2006, Feeding Matters is the first organization in the world uniting the concerns of families with the field’s leading advocates, experts, and allied healthcare professionals to ignite unprecedented change to the system of care through advocacy, education, support, and research – including a stand-alone diagnosis, the International Pediatric Feeding Disorder Conference, and the Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire. In 2018, Feeding Matters reached more than 125,000 individuals in 50 states and 143 countries through their programs and website.  To learn more about pediatric feeding disorder, visit feedingmatters.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube at @FeedingMatters. Media Contacts: Stephanie Sanstead Public Relations stephanie@communicadenceco.com 602-476-9997 Jaclyn Pederson, MHI Chief Executive Officer Feeding Matters jpederson@feedingmatters.org 602.690.6680 ###

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