Holt International’s latest policy brief spotlights a global nutrition crisis inside institution‑based child care.
March 24, 2026 — Holt’s new policy brief released today sheds light on the critical and often overlooked nutrition challenges facing millions of children living in institution-based care settings worldwide, including orphanages, group homes, and residential facilities. This report calls for immediate, coordinated action to ensure every child receives the nutrition necessary to survive, grow, and thrive.
The brief reveals alarming rates of malnutrition, poor diet quality and widespread micronutrient deficiencies among children in institution-based care.
“Good nutrition is a fundamental right and essential for healthy development,” says Emily DeLacey PhD, RDN/LDN, Director of Nutrition and Health Services. “For children in institution-based care, the consequences of poor nutrition can last a lifetime.”
“Good nutrition is a fundamental right and essential for healthy development,” says Emily DeLacey PhD, RDN/LDN, Director of Nutrition and Health Services. “For children in institution-based care, the consequences of poor nutrition can last a lifetime.”
The report emphasizes that inadequate nutrition during childhood, can lead to irreversible impacts, especially for infants and children with disabilities.
Holt’s call to action and work addresses this need by:
– Recognizing adequate nutrition as a basic right for all children in care
– Implementing routine growth monitoring, dietary assessments and quality care
– Ensuring access to diverse, nutrient-rich diets
– Providing comprehensive caregiver training on nutrition and responsive feeding
– Offering continued nutritional support as children transition to family-based care
“Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential,” added Emily DeLacey PhD, RDN/LDN, Director of Nutrition and Health Services. “Addressing nutrition in institution-based care is essential to making that a reality.”
“Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential,” added Emily DeLacey PhD, RDN/LDN, Director of Nutrition and Health Services. “Addressing nutrition in institution-based care is essential to making that a reality.”
Support Holt’s Child Nutrition Program
Your gift to Holt’s child nutrition program will provide life-changing nutrition and feeding support to children living in poverty and in orphanages around the world.
