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A Century of Influences on Parental Feeding in America

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Childhood obesity, food deserts, food prices, and a lack of nutritional knowledge are rising concerns in the USA. Parental feeding goals and practices have shifted greatly in the past century and families now rely almost solely on the corporate food industry. Industrial farming and corporate production of food stuffs can be damaging to the environment, animal ethics, and the health of children and families. This review examines how the history of the USA intertwines with parental feeding along with maternal and child health and well-being.

Recent Findings

Grass roots efforts are underway to educate the public in nutrition and gardening. Knowledge of food basics, cooking, and animal husbandry can have a positive influence on the health of children and families, especially those living in food deserts. The proliferation of farmers’ markets may provide a safe-hold for those wishing to feed local, ethically produced foods to their families.

Summary

Historical information on how US families became dependent upon factory farmed foods and lost their knowledge of food growth may help guide future communities on educational programming. Children who are educated on healthy foods have more interest in eating nourishing, clean foods. Family education and school programming on nutrition and gardening may work to ease absolute dependence on factory farmed foods and help to lower childhood obesity and related diseases.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. Kathy Mason, Historian, the University of Findlay, for her generosity in fact-checking and enriching this manuscript.

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  1. University of Findlay, OH, USA

    Allison Kiefner-Burmeister & Claire C. Heilman

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Correspondence to Allison Kiefner-Burmeister.

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Kiefner-Burmeister, A., Heilman, C.C. A Century of Influences on Parental Feeding in America. Curr Nutr Rep 12, 594–602 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-023-00499-4

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