2008

• The Lancet publishes its first series on Maternal and Child Undernutrition and brings attention to the power of nutrition for maternal and infant health.

2010

• 1,000 Days, the organization, is born.  

2012

• The World Health Assembly sets six targets to accelerate global action on malnutrition. 1,000 Days goes on to partner with the World Bank to promote these targets through a series of iconic images and infographics.

2013

• The first Nutrition for Growth Summit (N4G) is held in London. 100 stakeholders endorse the Global N4G Compact and pledge more than $23 billion.
• In a landmark follow up to its 2008 publication, The Lancet releases an updated series on maternal and child nutrition, revealing that malnutrition is responsible for nearly half of all child deaths each year—3 million children under age 5—and is the single greatest threat to child survival.
• What to Expect® creator Heidi Murkoff teams up with 1,000 Days to raise awareness and advocate on behalf of women and children worldwide.

2014

• 1,000 Days launches The International Coalition for Advocacy on Nutrition (ICAN) to mobilize more and better resources and policies for nutrition while also holding N4G commitment makers, especially donor countries, accountable for their pledges.
• The Global Nutrition Report (GNR) is established to track progress against global nutrition targets and the commitments made to reach them. 1,000 Days goes on to help produce the GNR in the years to come.  

2015

• 1,000 Days expands its focus to include issues that impact the nutrition and well-being of mothers, babies and toddlers in the United States.
• 1,000 Days hosts nutrition leaders and advocates, including Melinda Gates, on Capitol Hill to “light the torch” for nutrition in advance of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil. 

2016

• Award-winning journalist and anti-hunger advocate Roger Thurow publishes The First 1,000 Days: A Crucial Time for Mothers and Children — And the World which highlights the personal struggles and triumphs of mothers fighting to make sure their children get the nutrition they need to thrive.
• 1,000 Days, the World Bank, and Results for Development Institute, launch the first ever Investment Framework for Nutrition which estimates financing needed to reach four of the six WHA nutrition targets.
• 1,000 Days and the National Partnership for Women & Families organize a petition in support of paid leave and deliver over 230,000 signatures from all 50 states to Congress. 

2017

• The 2017 Nutrition for Growth Summit in Milan continues to highlight the importance and cost-effectiveness of good nutrition to save and improve lives. 
• 1,000 Days conducts in-depth interviews with nearly 60 mothers of young children and releases The First 1,000 Days: Listening to America’s Mothers to lift up the voices and stories of moms across the country.

2018

• We launch our first set of parent education videos in partnership with the CDC on infant and toddler feeding, reaching millions of parents across the country.

2019

• We publish The First 1,000 Days: The Case for Paid Leave in America report highlighting paid leave as a public health imperative.
• 1,000 Days hosts The State of Moms and Babies, a Congressional briefing on the importance of health and nutrition for mothers, babies and young children.

2020

• We join FHI 360, an international nonprofit working to improve the health and well-being of people in the United States and around the world.
• For the first time ever, the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide advice by life stage, including specific recommendations for infants, toddlers, and pregnant and lactating women in the first 1,000 days.
• 1,000 Days, Bread for the World, and The Chicago Council on Global Affairs host a virtual dialogue on the impact of COVID-19 on global malnutrition.  

2021

• 1,000 Days and the 1,000 Days Advocacy Working Group continue to advocate for the U.S Government to invest in global nutrition and are thrilled to see the U.S. Government commit US$11 billion to global nutrition over a 3-year period at the 2021 Nutrition for Growth Summit in Tokyo.
• Recognizing the need for a streamlined advocacy narrative on malnutrition, 1,000 Days launched the Severe Malnutrition Learning Hub and branded the Power 4 nutrition interventions.  
• The Lancet publishes its most recent Series on Maternal and Child Undernutrition, underlining the ongoing importance of key nutrition investments. 1,000 Days co-hosts the series launch and creates comprehensive communications materials to disseminate the findings.

2022

• The American government announces that the United States will provide UNICEF with an additional $200 million to procure and distribute ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF). The announcement is the most significant commitment that has ever been made to treat wasted children and the largest leap in coverage on record.
• The Global Malnutrition and Prevention Act is signed into law, streamlining U.S. government efforts to scale up the prevention and treatment of global malnutrition.
• Partnering with 1,000 Days, The American Journal of Public Health releases a special supplement on Nutrition in the First 1,000 Days in the United States.

2023

• 1,000 Days surveys and interviews 224 Black pregnant and postpartum moms in the United States to better understand the perceptions and attitudes around the nutritional information they receive before, during, and after pregnancy.

2024

• 1,000 Days and FHI 360 launch Closing the Gender Nutrition Gap: An Action Agenda for Women and Girls, a global framework of concrete actions to improve women and girls rights, advance gender equality, and improve their nutrition.
• 1,000 Days co-hosts Lasting Nutrition for Moms and Babies, a congressional briefing focused on how the U.S. Government and its global partners are coming together to improve nutrition outcomes and uplift mothers and babies around the world. 

2025

• Global leaders come together at the Paris Nutrition for Growth Summit to pledge action towards the challenge of malnutrition and pledge almost $28 billion in nutrition funding.  
• 1,000 Days celebrates 15 years of advocacy, impact, and progress. We’ve spent a decade and a half protecting the first 1,000 days—a window of opportunity that shapes lifelong health and equity. We’re excited to see what we can accomplish next!

The post 15 Years of Change: Opening the Window of Opportunity for Mothers and Children  appeared first on 1,000 Days.

As we mark World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month (U.S.), 1,000 Days honors the strides made in supporting breastfeeding families and recognizes the ongoing need for stronger policies, resources, and community support to ensure every family has the opportunity to begin and continue breastfeeding.

We all have a role to play in supporting breastfeeding, and we hope you’ll join us in celebrating breastfeeding this week and month online by visiting our 2025 Breastfeeding Inspiration Guide.

The post Support Breastfeeding, Nourish the Future appeared first on 1,000 Days.

Overseas, the PBR cuts down or eliminates programs that provide critical food and nutrition services to moms and their children including: feeding hungry kids with food grown by American farmers; making sure moms have prenatal vitamins that keep them and their babies healthy; supporting moms to breastfeed; and saving kids who are on the brink of dying from starvation, including by giving them ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF). 

These programs save millions of lives and serve the strategic interests of the United States. They keep Americans safe from diseases, create enduring alliances with other countries, open new markets for American goods, and prevent conflict and migration caused by food insecurity.  

The president’s budget request also includes drastic cuts to domestic programs supporting maternal and child health. This includes eliminating funding for programs that work with state and local partners to improve Americans’ nutrition and physical activity.  

Congress has the ultimate power to pass a budget that protects, strengthens, and enriches the United States through robust food security and nutrition programs. We call on Congress to use this power to protect vulnerable moms and babies everywhere.  

The post 1,000 Days Statement on the President’s FY26 skinny budget request appeared first on 1,000 Days.

The post Why Improving Nutrition Overseas is an Inexpensive Way to Protect Americans appeared first on 1,000 Days.

In contrast, nutrient deficiencies during early childhood can lead to stunting and lower lifetime earnings. “Every $1 invested in nutrition brings a $23 return,” said Toyin Adewale-Gabriel, senior technical adviser, policy and advocacy, at FHI360’s Alive & Thrive project in Nigeria. Despite some progress, food insecurity is rising, and the world is not on track to meet any of the six global nutrition targets set for 2025, with some indicators worsening. Nearly 1 in 4 children are stunted, anemia rates among women aged 15 to 49 have risen, and progress on low birthweight and childhood overweight has stalled. With malnutrition threatening future generations, urgent investment is needed in maternal and child nutrition to break the cycle of poverty.

In the above video explainer, 1,000 Days partnered with Devex to explore the crucial role of nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life — not only for a child’s future but also for the prosperity of their country. Read the full story on Devex here.

The post The first 1,000 days: How early nutrition shapes health and development appeared first on 1,000 Days.

That’s why we’re glad to see the world come together this week to recommit to fighting the global malnutrition crisis.

At the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit in Paris, global leaders and organizations pledged over $27 billion to combat malnutrition. Philanthropies stepped up to the challenge, pledging more than $2 billion in new commitments.

Proven Nutrition Interventions with High ROI

We know what works in nutrition. Decades of research have proven the efficacy of nutrition interventions like providing prenatal vitamins to pregnant women (multiple micronutrient supplementation or MMS), exclusive and prolonged breastfeeding, vitamin A supplementation, food fortification, access for everyone to an affordable healthy diet and to supplemental nutritional support (Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods or RUTFs) for malnourished children.

We know the problem is large. Half of all child deaths are caused by undernutrition. 1 in 3 people around the world cannot afford a healthy diet. Without sufficient protein, vitamins, and essential micronutrients, children remain at higher risk of illness, developmental delays, and long-term health issues.

And we know that nutrition is the smartest investment in public health, with the largest return on investment. Every $1 invested in nutrition yields $23 in economic returns. Malnutrition is a massive barrier to children achieving their educational and economic potential, but it also costs the world. Malnutrition can reduce a country’s GDP by up to 11% per year due to lost productivity, increased healthcare costs, and diminished human potential. Preventing malnutrition is also significantly more cost-effective than treating its consequences. Stunting and micronutrient deficiencies increase the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, leading to billions in avoidable healthcare costs.

A Call to Action: Prioritize Nutrition Now

“Good nutrition is foundational to life and health, and it’s critical that we must marshal our resources to face this challenge.” – Dr. Nadra Franklin, Vice President of Global Nutrition at FHI 360

While the scale of the problem is large, there is cause for optimism: fewer children are dying from malnutrition than a few decades ago and the global stunting rate has halved since 1990. Investing in nutrition is an investment in stronger economies, healthier populations, and long-term stability. With continued investment, we can accelerate this progress.

During the Nutrition for Growth Summit, world leaders chose to commit to bold, evidence-based investments in nutrition. The choice is clear: investing in nutrition today builds a healthier, more prosperous tomorrow. The real question isn’t whether we can afford to invest in nutrition—it’s whether we can afford not to.

The post The Best Investment in Public Health? Nutrition appeared first on 1,000 Days.

At 1,000 Days, we believe achieving this vision starts with one fundamental pillar: good nutrition. And yet, for one in three women and girls, anemia—a condition primarily caused by poor nutrition—continues to stand in the way of their health, economic potential, and empowerment.

Anemia: A silent barrier to women’s health and potential

Anemia affects half a billion women of reproductive age worldwide, with iron deficiency being the most common cause. This condition is not just about feeling tired—it weakens immune systems and increases risk of infections. During pregnancy, anemia has been associated with poor outcomes for both mothers and babies, including premature birth, low birth weight and maternal mortality. Women suffering from severe anemia during pregnancy are twice as likely to die during or shortly after pregnancy than non-anemic women, and anemia is the cause of 20% of maternal deaths worldwide.

Anemia is not only a health issue; it’s a barrier to women’s and girl’s potential too. Anemia causes extreme fatigue and poor concentration, hindering learning potential, educational attainment, and productivity. Women and girls, particularly those in low-income and marginalized communities, often face more significant obstacles in accessing the iron-rich foods, supplements, and healthcare they need. These barriers perpetuate cycles of malnutrition and poverty, preventing women from fully participating in society and the economy.

Addressing anemia accelerates change

When we invest in tackling anemia, we invest in stronger women, healthier families, and more resilient economies. The benefits of addressing anemia are profound:

1. Healthier Pregnancies & Babies: Anemia in pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth by 30% and low birth weight by 40%. Ensuring pregnant women have access to iron and folic acid can save lives and improve newborn health.
2. Stronger Women:  Adolescent girls with anemia often struggle in school due to cognitive impairments linked to iron deficiency. Research has proven that anemia negatively impacts work performance and productivity. When women and girls have access to the nutrition they need, they can achieve their potential, participate fully in society, and build security for their families.
3. Better Economic Outcomes:  Research from the World Bank estimates that anemia reduces work productivity by up to 17%, costing some economies more than $70 billion annually in lost productivity. Addressing anemia means stronger economies and stronger women in the workforce.

How we can accelerate change

Fighting anemia requires urgent, multisectoral action. Here’s how we can make an impact:

1. Expand access to Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS): Governments and health systems must ensure women and adolescent girls have access to essential nutrition interventions, including multiple micronutrient supplementation and prenatal care. According to UNICEF, scaled-up MMS can drive country-level progress towards global goals and targets to improve anemia, low birth weight, wasting, and stunting.
2. Scale food fortification: Investing in food fortification—adding iron to staple foods like flour, maize flour, rice, and oil—can effectively reduce anemia rates for just pennies. Countries like India have seen success by fortifying staples with vitamin B-12, iron and folic acid, providing a cost-effective solution to widespread deficiencies.
3. Prioritize Girls’ & Women’s Health in Policies: Nutrition must be integrated into national health and gender equality plans. Governments, nonprofits, and the private sector must work together to eliminate obstacles for women and children to good nutrition.
4. Educate & Empower Young Women: Young women and adolescent girls must be equipped with nutrition knowledge to advocate for their health and futures. Schools and communities play a vital role in ensuring this education reaches those who need it most. Studies show that nutrition education programs have increased iron intake among adolescent girls.

A future where no one is left behind

This International Women’s Day, we can take bold action to ensure every woman and girl—regardless of income, geography, or status—has the right to the nutrition she needs to thrive. 

Anemia is a solvable challenge. By investing in solutions today, we are building a future where all women and girls can rise, lead, and shape a more just and equal world.

Join us in advocating for change. Together, we can make anemia a thing of the past and build a future where women’s health is never a barrier to their rights, equality, or empowerment.

Take Action: Share this message. Advocate for maternal and adolescent nutrition. Support policies that expand access to essential nutrition services. Because when women are strong, we all rise.

The post Why Anemia is Holding Women Back appeared first on 1,000 Days.

At 1,000 Days, we believe that every family, everywhere deserves the opportunity to have a healthy 1,000-day window and beyond – and that starts with access to good nutrition. Decades of research has shown that nutrition plays a foundational role in a child’s development and her country’s ability to prosper.

This year is extra special as we focus on food as a connecting factor for all of us – connecting us to our cultures, our families, our babies and our friends.

Follow #March4Nutrition on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter/X all month long and join the conversation.

Find our social media toolkit here.

The post National Nutrition Month: A Time to Connect appeared first on 1,000 Days.

The Consultant will assist on government and donor relations for the organization.

Download the RFP

The post RFP for Advocacy Advisor Consultant appeared first on 1,000 Days.

Breastfeeding provides a fundamental contribution to early childhood nutrition and health. However, in the United States its benefits are not experienced by everyone equally, as breastfeeding rates vary significantly by race and ethnicity.

The national breastfeeding rate in the United States is relatively high: about 84% of infants are breastfed at birth. But when broken down by race and ethnicity, we see drastic disparities: the CDC reports that, at birth, 92.7% of Asian infants and 86.2% of white infants are breastfed, with rates dropping to 81.9% for Hispanic infants, 78.4% for Indigenous infants, and 77.3% for Black infants.  Black, Hispanic, and multiracial parents are also less likely to breastfeed for the recommended six months, compared to the U.S. national rate.

Multiple factors contribute to these disparities, including access to healthcare, socio-economic status, cultural norms, employment and childcare challenges and systemic racism.

The disparity in support often starts at the hospital, with maternity care facilities serving Black populations being much less likely to offer lactation support. A long history of medical racism and targeted marketing of formula to Black mothers also plays a role in Black mothers not being supported to breastfeed by medical professionals.

Low breastfeeding rates may also be a reflection of negative cultural perceptions of breastfeeding and a lack of support from breastfeeding role models in a mother’s family and community. Peer counseling and support groups can significantly increase breastfeeding rates and provide quality information in a culturally sensitive manner.

Socio-economic status and your job type can also play a role. Many lower-income jobs do not provide workplace supports that would support sustained breastfeeding, such as access to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or employer provided- paid leave, flexible work schedules, or support for breastfeeding or expressing milk at work. This forces lower-income women to return to work sooner than other women, cutting short their opportunity to establish breastfeeding routines.

Racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding rates have significant implications for health and for future social and economic outcomes. Suboptimal breastfeeding rates are associated with a greater burden of disease among Hispanic and Black populations: the rates of the ear infection acute otitis media and necrotizing enterocolitis (the most common and serious intestinal disease among premature babies) are much higher in Black and Hispanic children than white children, as is the number of excess child deaths.

Policies have real impact

Breastfeeding doesn’t happen in a vacuum – to be successful, families need supportive policies. New hard-won policies, like the PUMP Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, are significant steps in the right direction. But stronger support is necessary, especially for Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous women who face significant barriers to breastfeeding.

Federal and state governments must take decisive action to ensure that all mothers have the support they need to breastfeed their children. This includes enforcing comprehensive policies like the PUMP Act, extending paid family leave, and ensuring workplace accommodations for breastfeeding mothers. Raising awareness about existing disparities and advocating for stronger, more inclusive breastfeeding support systems is essential for achieving equitable health outcomes among all parents and children. Employers, policymakers, and community leaders must collaborate to create environments that support breastfeeding mothers.

This year, the theme for National Breastfeeding Month is Nourish, Sustain, Thrive. Nourishing, sustaining, and thriving means ensuring that all mothers, regardless of race or socio-economic status, have the support they need to breastfeed during the critical first 1,000 days. By addressing disparities in breastfeeding rates and advocating for robust, inclusive policies, we can promote the health and well-being of infants and mothers across diverse communities. The journey toward equitable health outcomes begins with every drop of breast milk, and it’s a journey we must all support.

The post Addressing breastfeeding disparities across the United States appeared first on 1,000 Days.