The Invisible Problem: Malnutrition in the U.S. and its Cognitive, Physical, and Psychosocial Effects in the Critical Developmental Years

Abstract

Malnutrition in the United States has been denied and overshadowed by international malnutrition. However, it is time for our nation to face the effects of malnutrition within our borders before we forsake and condemn another generation. Especially devastating are the 13 million children who live in food insecure environments. Each passing day is a day lost of cognitive, physical, and psychosocial development. However, these irreversible effects are preventable. By changing the current environment of malnourished children, we are fulfilling the basic human right to flourish. The U.S. has the resources of food availability to provide proper nutrition for each of its citizens with no added burden to the rest of society. To neglect this duty by ignoring food access and adequate food use is to deny social justice. Eradicating malnutrition in the U.S. is within our capabilities and the policies I have presented are the first steps toward attaining the goal. . . . [From Conclusion]