Guatemala: Recess

Caring for God’s Children through Improved Nutrition

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we covenant to care for all of God’s children around the world. As part of this effort, it is our goal to serve and care for children so they can reach their full potential.

Relief Society General President, Camille N. Johnson

Introduction to Child Nutrition

The Importance of Nutrition

Many children around the world suffer from the effects of malnutrition. Healthy nutrition is essential to proper brain, body, and immune system development, especially from the time of conception to ages 2–3. If a child does not receive proper nutrition during this time, the child’s brain and body will not develop as they should.

Comprehensive Care for Children

The Church has focused efforts to help more children have access to comprehensive nutrition care, including nutritious foods, safe drinking water, supported access to local clinical services, and other factors that help a child meet their growth potential.

Resources for Parents and Leaders

The Church has developed several guides, offering ideas and information for both parents and leaders as they seek to support children and families. You can download the guides by topic or download them all at the link below.

Guides for Families

Guides for Leaders

Recognizing Signs of MalnutritionRecognizing Signs of Malnutrition
What to Expect When Being Treated for Malnutrition at a Health ClinicWhat to Expect When Being Treated for Malnutrition at a Health Clinic
Healthy Eating for ChildrenHealthy Eating for Children
BreastfeedingBreastfeeding
Healthy Brain Development for ChildrenHealthy Brain Development for Children
GardeningGardening
Safe Drinking WaterSafe Drinking Water
Safe Food Preparation
Safe Human Waste Practices
Dental Health
Handwashing
Food Journal
Safe Food Preparation
Safe Human Waste Practices
Dental Health
Handwashing

See What the Church is Doing to Help

Parents with a Baby
Family Empowerment
Families work to improve their children’s nutrition. Local Church councils assist families with knowledge, resources, and support to implement nutritional best practices in their own homes.
Young child
Community Assistance
Church support at the community level is led by area leadership who knows the needs and resources of their communities best, connecting the local community to resources in their area.
Peru Media Trip 2010
Global Support
We work with humanitarian organizations to provide global support to prevent and eliminate child malnutrition from conception to age five.

Get Involved

Children face malnourishment in communities throughout the world. Use the resources below to learn more about child nutrition, how it impacts our families, and how you may be able to help.

How Can I Get Involved?

Through prayer and guidance from the Spirit, you can discover ways to help families in your community. For example, you can give a generous fast-offering, volunteer at a local food pantry, or cook a nutritious meal for a neighbor. If available in your area, you can get involved in this effort by visiting JustServe.org and searching for child nutrition or hunger related projects.