Lurie Children’s Selected as a Strategic Partner by the USDA in Recognition of its Commitment to Nutrition Security

CHICAGO, Aug. 15, 2024 – Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is the first children’s hospital in the Midwest, and the first specialty children’s hospital nationwide, to be named a MyPlate National Strategic Partner by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). MyPlate is a visual tool that represents nutrition guidelines and indicates the proportion and variety of foods to eat throughout the day. As a National Strategic Partner, Lurie Children’s joins federal agencies, corporations, restaurants, community organizations and retailers in disseminating science-based dietary advice to promote health, reduce risk of chronic disease, and meet nutrient needs.  

“At the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, we are working alongside our incredible MyPlate National Strategic partners to meet the goals of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health and to advance food and nutrition security,” said Dr. Caree Jackson Cotwright, Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity for the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. “We cannot do this important work alone, but together we can make progress that will change lives and ensure a healthier, more prosperous future for everyone in this country.”  

For Lurie Children’s, this work is especially important as childhood obesity rates in Chicago are higher than the national average, and over a third of Chicago children are obese or overweight, putting them at higher risk for chronic disease. Improving nutrition security – consistent and convenient access to affordable and healthy foods — can help lower obesity rates. The hospital’s Food, Activity and Nutrition (FAN) initiatives help young people achieve healthier weights by addressing issues such as lack of affordable, nutritious, and culturally appealing foods and safe places to be active.  

“At Lurie Children’s, we understand that advancing nutrition security and physical activity requires a community-wide effort,” said Stephanie Folkens, Director of FAN initiatives at Lurie Children’s. “For over twenty years, we have collaborated closely with partners on local, state-wide and national levels to help ensure that supports for healthy eating and physical activity are always within reach for youth and their families, regardless of where they live. One example of this is supporting food pantries amid an influx of need while also building their capacity to offer additional support for families.” 

To foster collaboration and innovative solutions, Lurie Children’s is hosting an event titled “Nutrition Security, MyPlate, and Children’s Health: A Convening for Practitioners” on September 26, 2024, convening food security advocates from pediatric care, government, philanthropy, and community sectors dedicated to advancing nutrition security through community-based solutions. Dr. Caree Cotwright, USDA Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity will be the keynote speaker at the event. For any questions about this event, please contact fan@luriechildrens.org.  

About Lurie Children’s 

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is a nonprofit organization committed to providing access to exceptional care for every child. It is ranked as one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. Lurie Children’s is the pediatric training ground for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Supported by philanthropy, the Patrick M. Magoon Institute for Healthy Communities is the hub for all Lurie Children’s community-focused initiatives.