WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.-1) on Friday introduced a resolution designating the week of September 16 through September 20, 2024, as “Malnutrition Awareness Week.” Food insecurity and malnutrition affect over 40 million Americans, disproportionately impacting older adults, children, and other vulnerable populations. In 2023, an estimated seven million American children lived in food-insecure households. Meanwhile, disease-associated malnutrition in older adults alone costs the United States more than $51.3 billion each year.

The resolution recognizes registered dietitian nutritionists and other nutrition professionals, health care providers, social workers, and advocates for their efforts to advance awareness and prevent malnutrition. It also highlights the cyclical relationship between poverty and malnutrition and recognizes the disproportionate effect felt by communities of color. By raising awareness and promoting better access to nutritious foods and healthcare, this resolution seeks to support nationwide efforts to improve health outcomes.

“Malnutrition is a public health crisis, and it disproportionately impacts communities of color and the most vulnerable amongst us—seniors, kids, and people with chronic illness. We must continue expanding access to affordable, healthy food through federal nutrition programs like the Older Americans Act, SNAP, and Meals on Wheels. I’m proud to introduce this resolution to bring awareness to this serious problem and recognize those working on frontlines to ensure every family can put nutritious food on the table,” said Murphy.

“No one should go hungry because of financial distress,” said Bonamici. “Each year we recognize Malnutrition Awareness Week to draw attention to the many nutrition programs that are addressing food insecurity at all stages of life and to highlight what more can be done to finally end hunger. I’m committed to continuing to strengthen proven programs like Meals on Wheels, SNAP, and school nutrition programs.”

Full text of the resolution can be found HERE.

###