Feeding Matters has received a $40,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to expand Feeding Hope, a program providing trauma-informed support to Arizona families navigating complex pediatric feeding disorders.
The program connects caregivers of children with Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) to education, peer mentorship, and community resources at a time when many families struggle to find knowledgeable providers and timely diagnoses.
PFD affects an estimated 2.3 million children in the United States each year, yet many families report their child’s feeding challenges are dismissed as “picky eating,” leaving parents without guidance or support.
Funding from Thunderbirds Charities will help Feeding Matters expand several family services, including one-to-one caregiver mentoring, a seven-day-a-week support hotline, a virtual resource platform with webinars and provider directory, and the Patient Readiness and Empowerment Program course (formerly Family First). The program will also provide family educational guides in English and Spanish and host an annual summit that connects families with healthcare professionals and advocates.
“For families navigating feeding disorders, the journey can be isolating and overwhelming,” said Heidi Van Der Molen, senior manager of family support programs at Feeding Matters. “This support ensures Arizona caregivers have access to the tools, community, and guidance they need to advocate for their child.”
This grant is part of the Fall 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.