The human relationship to food is complex and complicated. For some of us, the types and amounts of food we eat can lead to obesity. For others, food deserts mean that healthy food choices are not available, leading to a persistent issue of malnutrition around the globe.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that one in four children globally are malnourished. Recently, the organization launched a program in 14 cities across the United States, including Atlanta, called UNICEF Kid Power. By getting active with the UNICEF Kid Power Band, kids go on missions to earn points and unlock therapeutic food packets for severely malnourished children around the world. More than 2,500 Atlanta students participated in the UNICEF Kid Power school program and unlocked more than 11,800 packets of therapeutic food for their peers around the world.

On Wednesday, May 11, the Southeast Regional Office of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF’s Speaker Series Committee will host “Food Fears: Navigating Nutrition at Home and Abroad,” an informative panel discussion moderated by Dr. Sanjay Gupta that addresses pediatric nutrition, fitness and children’s health. Along with the success of the Kid Power program, topics for discussion include the links between fitness and nutrition; actionable steps parents can take to address malnourishment, hunger, food safety and exercise; and strengths and weaknesses of U.S. food and nutrition recommendations for children.

Panelists include Caryl Stern, President and CEO U.S.Fund for UNICEF; Dr. Sandra Hassink, Past President, American Academy of Pediatrics; and Diane Holland, Senior Nutrition Advisor, UNICEF Nutrition Section. Additional event information can be found at https://www.unicefusa.org/ticketed-events/southeast-speaker-series