Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a proclamation declaring May 2023 as Pediatric Feeding Disorder Awareness month bringing into focus this often-overlooked condition before a group from Feeding Matters.

The Phoenix-based nonprofit requested this special designation to highlight the medical, emotional, financial, educational and social struggles that families navigating the broad spectrum of pediatric feeding disorder face, according to a press release.

PFD impacts more than one in 37 American children under the age of five annually, the release stated. This makes PFD more prevalent than well-known childhood conditions such as autism. Defined as impaired oral intake that is not age-appropriate and is associated with medical, nutritional, feeding skills and/or psychosocial dysfunction, PFD is more than a symptom, it is its own condition.

Struggling families face many barriers including a lack of evidence-based data, the diverse and underserved nature of PFD, grief and pressure when they cannot feed their child. Moreover, they face the challenge of meal times where every bite and every milestone is hard-earned, the release explained.
PFD can lead to a disability and if untreated, can have long-term psychosocial damage.

“This condition is devastating. For the many families who have suffered, often in silence, with struggling to get adequate nutrition to their growing child, we are happy to say that there is support and we are proud that this noble mission has its roots right here in Arizona,” Gov. Hobbs said in the release. “PFD Awareness month is a great opportunity for Arizonans to learn more about this disorder and advocate for those it impacts.”

“This proclamation demonstrates great support for families and children experiencing pediatric feeding disorder,” Jaclyn Pederson, CEO of Feeding Matters, added. “There is an indisputable correlation between heightened awareness of PFD and equitable access to screening, diagnosis and early intervention which can all positively contribute to the health outcomes for thousands of children. A month dedicated to awareness encourages more families, members of the medical community, government entities, insurers and the broader community worldwide to seek support and ask the hard questions.”

In attempt to advocate for these families, Feeding Matters announced its first annual PFD Awareness Month Campaign, “Call it PFD: Feed the Cause,” helping individuals educate themselves and others through opportunities to get involved:

• Become a PFD Awareness Month Champion.
• Buy a PFD Awareness Month shirt. Post a photo wearing your shirt with the tag #CallItPFD to your social media.
• Learn about PFD. Read about the power of a diagnosis in these PFD stories or share your own.
• Become a sponsor. Support the Call it PFD: Feed the Cause event.

The simple Feeding Matters Infant and Child Feeding Questionnaire may help target areas of concern for families and physicians. Families, caretakers and members of the medical community are also encouraged to visit resources and support or to attend Feeding Matters’ virtual international conference, available on-demand through May 31.