The Dorrance Family Foundation has awarded a two-year, $1 million grant to Feeding Matters, the first organization in the world dedicated to advancing the research, identification, and collaborative care of pediatric feeding disorders. The transformational contribution from The Dorrance Family Foundation launches Feeding Matters’ three-year, $3 million Power of a Name campaign supporting the widespread acceptance and awareness of pediatric feeding disorders.
“There are more than 2.3 million children under the age of five in the United States who experience severe pediatric feeding disorders annually,” said Feeding Matters President and CEO Chris Linn. “Yet there is no universally accepted medical definition, diagnostic code, or system of care for pediatric feeding disorders.”
Since 2014, Feeding Matters has leveraged its medical professional council and relationships with internationally renowned pediatric feeding experts to facilitate a groundbreaking consensus paper. Recently accepted for publication by the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, the paper declares a unifying name and stand-alone diagnosis for the broad spectrum of pediatric feeding struggles now treated as a symptom to over 300 other conditions, such as autism, cerebral palsy, and cystic fibrosis.
The adoption of a unifying name and stand-alone diagnosis will be a catalyst to desperately needed systemic change, including earlier identification, qualification for early intervention, opportunities for longitudinal research on best practices, accurate classifications, pediatric feeding disorders curriculum resulting in a larger pool of trained specialists, and the potential for comprehensive insurance reimbursement.
To date, Feeding Matters has raised more than $1.65 million towards its $3 million Power of a Name goal.
“It is with the unrelenting support of donors and longtime supporters like The Dorrance Family Foundation that Feeding Matters is able to continue its efforts to transform the system of care for families and healthcare professionals navigating pediatric feeding disorders,” adds Feeding Matters Chief Development Officer Debbie Simons. “Our research, advocacy, and education initiatives will grow substantially thanks to the Power of a Name campaign, including contributions from Ingerbritson Family Foundation, Bob and Shannon Goldwater, The DeMatteis Family Foundation, Judy and Bill Schubert, Pakis Family Foundation, and The Steele Foundation.”
