In this episode, we engage with Dr. Caree Cotwright to explore the vital issue of advancing nutrition security for children. As the Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity at the USDA, Dr. Cotwright provides a detailed overview of the USDA's comprehensive strategy to ensure all children have equitable access to healthy, safe, and affordable food.She explains the transformative impact of nutrition programs such as SNAP, WIC, and the National School Lunch Program, emphasizing the importance of initiatives, such as universal free school meals and summer nutrition programs, in combating hunger and promoting health.Dr. Cotwright also stresses the goal of making MyPlate a household name, while underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts and community feedback in advancing nutrition security. Tune in to learn how USDA programs are making a difference and discover how you can support these efforts to ensure a healthier future for our children.What Youll Learn About Advancing Nutrition Security for Children with Dr. Caree Cotwright: 00:00 Introduction02:50 Dr. Cotwrights role at USDA and the many nutrition assistance programs available03:37 Definition of nutrition security05:08 Structural inequities and social determinants of health that impact nutrition06:15 USDA's work on nutrition security and the Four Pillars Approach08:41 Efforts to promote universal free school meals04:12 Addressing the summer hunger gap19:46 Updates to the WIC program to increase fruit and vegetable consumption23:46 Reducing stigma with EBT cards and encouraging enrollment in WIC26:43 Efforts to make MyPlate a household name for healthy eating35:11 Listening to feedback to improve cultural sensitivity// FeatureCheck out Jills upcoming book, Kids Thrive at Every Sizehttps://thenourishedchild.com/kids-thrive-at-every-sizeDoes Your Child Have the Habits to Thrive at Every Size? Take My Quiz!https://thenourishedchild.com/healthy-habits-quizSIGN UP FOR A ONE-TIME COUNSELING SESSION WITH JILL ON THE SHOWhttps://calendly.com/jillcastle/podcast-interview// GOT QUESTIONS?Want your burning question answered in our podcast? Get the answers straight from Jill Castle. Drop your questions through this linkhttps://www.speakpipe.com/TheNourishedChildpodcast// ResourcesSummer Meals for Kids Site Finderhttps://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinderSummer Nutrition Programs Factsheethttps://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/enhancingProposed Updates to School Nutrition Standardshttps://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/school-nutrition-standards-updatesWIC Package Revisionshttps://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/fr-112122MyPlatehttps://www.myplate.gov// Follow and Subscribe!Podcast Showhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nourished-child/id1149940384 YouTubehttps://thenourishedchild.com/youtubeSpotifyhttps://thenourishedchild.com/spotifyApple Podcasthttps://thenourishedchild.com/applepodcastStitcherhttps://thenourishedchild.com/stitcherRSShttps://thenourishedchild.com/libsynrss// LinksLearn more about The Nourished Childhttps://thenourishedchild.com/about-usLearn more about Jill Castlehttps://jillcastle.com/about-jillListen to The Nourished Child Podcasthttps://thenourishedchild.com/category/podcast/ // Follow Jill on SocialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenourishedchildInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/i.am.pedird/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pediRDTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/pediRDLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillcastle/Note: This description may contain affiliate links to products I recommend as a pediatric dietitian and nutritionist. If you choose to use these links, this channel may earn affiliate commissions at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support!Also, this channel provides general advice. It does not offer individualized nutrition interventions, instructions or counseling. Please consult with your primary healthcare provider with health concerns or for medical advice.