Children entering the U.S. foster care system are a highly vulnerable population who suffer from high rates of chronic health conditions, including malnutrition and other food-related problems. One study shows that about 20% of children in foster care are of short stature, a possible sign of malnourishment due to neglect, with an additional 6% to 10% of infants and toddlers meeting criteria for failure to thrive. On the other extreme, about 15% of children in foster care meet criteria for obesity, and data indicates that this figure is continuing to rise. This paper explores malnutrition among children in foster care in the U.S. and programs and interventions that help to improve the nutritional health of children in foster care.
