Feeding Does Matter

In this episode host and CEO of Feeding Matters, Jaclyn Pederson, shares an inside look at what’s ahead in 2026 - a milestone year marking the organization’s 20th anniversary. She shares how Feeding Matters is building momentum through expanded programs, new educational resources, and meaningful opportunities for families, professionals, and advocates. As Feeding Matters builds toward a celebratio...

ICYMI: Jaclyn and Hayley welcome ARFID to PFD awareness month with an engaging conversation with Dr. Jenny Thomas, a leading expert in ARFID, discussing its definition, impact, and the evolution of understanding around it. They address common myths and the differences between picky eating and ARFID. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration between feeding and eating disorder fields a...

ICYMI: In this episode of Feeding Does Matter, four of the authors (including our hosts) of the consensus paper on the diagnostic overlap and distinction for pediatric feeding disorder and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder discuss their thoughts on the 10 consensus statements, the importance of accurate diagnosis, and the need for collaboration and a common language in the field.  Guests:...

ICYMI: In this conversation, guest Heather Goettsch shares her personal journey, detailing the challenges she faced in advocating for her child's needs. She emphasizes the importance of small victories in the journey of feeding therapy and the value of community support through organizations like Feeding Matters. Heather discusses her involvement in the family-centered pediatric feeding disorder r...

In this year-end episode of Feeding Does Matter, hosts Hayley Estrem and Jaclyn Pederson delve into the challenges and triumphs of the past year for Feeding Matters. They discuss the importance of community support, the impact of their initiatives, and the ongoing efforts to raise awareness and resources for feeding differences and disorders.

In this episode, you’ll sit in on a meeting of the Feeding Matters Research Initiatives Task Force (including Feeding Does Matter hosts Jaclyn Pederson and Hayley Estrem) as William Sharp, PhD, reflects on his recent presentation on feeding challenges in children with autism for TEACCH. The group also dives into the current realities of school cafeterias and explores why anorexia-based treatment f...

ICYMI: In this episode, Darlena Birch from the National WIC Association discusses the WIC program, the importance of nutrition education, and the various components of WIC services. She highlights the challenges families face in accessing resources, particularly those with pediatric feeding disorders and food allergies. (This episode originally posted January 14, 2025)

Host Jaclyn Pederson interviews co-host, Hayley Estrem and Feeding Matters’ Person and Family-Centered Feeding Research Consortium Chair, Rachel Conrad. Hayley and Rachel share their experiences from the PCORI Annual Meeting, insights gained from their poster session, and the importance of creating a safe space for patient partners in research. The Feeding Matters Family-Centered PFD Research Cons...

Guests Dr. Pamela Dodrill and Dr. Memorie Gosa discuss the Functional Oral Intake Scale Pediatric (FOIS-P) tool for assessment and tracking of feeding progress in children, the role of telehealth in bridging the gap between hospital and home care, and the importance of mentorship in developing skilled clinicians. More information on FOIS-P .

Host Jaclyn Pederson and Feeding Matters Senior Program Manager, Heidi Van der Molen discuss the challenges families face when food access is uncertain, especially for those navigating feeding disorders and differences. They share how the community has come together to help launch a new Food Access Resources page with national, state, and local links to help families find the support they need. Vi...

This episode features the recent Feeding Alliance Learning Lounge on the PFD & ARFID School Toolkit. Jennifer Eggert, M.S., CCC-SLP, C/NDT, and Dr. Nikhila Raol, MD, MPH, discuss the often-overlooked challenges children with feeding differences face in school settings. They share insights into how the toolkit was developed to empower families, educators, and healthcare professionals with pract...

In this episode of Feeding Does Matter, host Jaclyn Pederson and guest Courtney Bliss, a Pediatric Registered Dietitian, discuss the challenges families with children who have feeding differences face during holiday gatherings. Courtney shares practical strategies for managing food anxiety, communicating needs with family members, and creating a supportive environment for children during these eve...

In this episode hosts Jaclyn Pederson and Hayley Estrem talk with Rhonda Anderson, a distinguished nursing leader and healthcare advocate. They discuss the evolution of care for children with feeding disorders, moving from awareness to action through a lifespan and family-centered approach, the power of listening to families, and how technology and interprofessional collaboration are transforming...

In this episode of Feeding Does Matter, host Jaclyn Pederson speaks with Denise Hoffman, a mother and occupational therapist, about her personal journey with feeding challenges faced by her son, who was born premature and is now 24 years old. They discuss the impact of personal experience on professional practice, supporting a young adult navigating  the complexities of feeding disorders and menta...

In this special one-year anniversary episode of Feeding Matters, hosts Jaclyn Pederson and Hayley Estrem celebrate one year of impactful conversations centered around patient and family-centered care in the context of feeding differences and disorders. They are joined by leaders from the Family-Centered PFD Research Consortium to discuss the consortium's formation, the importance of lived experien...

Host Jaclyn Pederson speaks with Dr. Lisa Bienstock, a pediatric dentist and event chair for Feeding Matters' upcoming Feed the Cause signature event and fundraiser. They discuss the importance of positive dental experiences for children, especially those with feeding differences. Dr. Bienstock shares her journey into pediatric dentistry, emphasizing the need for early dental visits and collaborat...

In this episode, guest Talia Laughter has a heartfelt conversation about her family's journey with feeding challenges, particularly focusing on her daughter who was born with Down syndrome. Talia recounts the struggles they faced, including hospitalizations, feeding therapy, and the importance of advocacy and community support.

Guest Dr. Amy Delaney shares insights on texture analysis and the development of a texture framework to standardize feeding assessment practices. Dr. Delaney also discusses the importance of research in understanding feeding development, the need for normative data in the field, and the significance of guidelines for caregivers and pediatricians.

Dr. Jeanne Marshall, a speech pathologist and researcher specializing in pediatric feeding disorders, discusses her journey into the field, her work at the Tucker Box Feeding Research Lab, and the various research projects aimed at improving preventative care and diagnostics in pediatric feeding disorders. The discussion also highlights the importance of family-centered research, the challenges of...

Hosts Jaclyn Pederson and Hayley Estrem reflect on the live event for the Feeding & Eating Psychology Summit, discussing key takeaways such as, the need for individualized care, and the significance of language in treatment. They emphasize breaking down silos between different fields and fostering community engagement to improve research and support for families. The discussion also touches on...

2025 Psych Summit Session: Reduction in Feeding Problems Following a 12-Week Interdisciplinary Group Feeding Intervention presented by Olivia Hsin, PhD; Ayala Ben-Tall, PhD. During this Psych Summit Session Sneak Peek episode of Feeding Does Matter, Olivia Hsin and Ayala Ben-Tall discuss feeding psychology and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches. On August 22, the Feeding + Eating Psych...

2025 Psych Summit Session: Food Allergy and ARFID: An underrecognized clinical complication and conceptual treatment framework presented by Kaitlin B. Proctor, PhD, ABPP. During this Psych Summit Session Sneak Peek episode of Feeding Does Matter, Kaitlin Proctor discusses the complexities of feeding issues, particularly in relation to ARFID and food allergies. On August 22, the Feeding + Eating Ps...

2025 Psych Summit Micro Keynotes: Preparing for NICU Discharge presented by Vincent C. Smith, MD, MPH, and First Things First in Feeding Therapy: Prioritizing Curiosity and Safety presented by Marsha Dunn Klein, OTR/L, MEd FAOTA. During this Psych Summit Session Sneak Peak episode of Feeding Does Matter, Vincent C. Smith and Marsh Dunn Klein discuss the importance of NICU discharge preparation and...

2025 Psych Summit Session: Responsive Feeding Therapy for Children with Paediatric Feeding Disorder: Research Insights and Clinical Applications presented by Valerie Gent, BSpPath, MMedRes, PhD candidate and Dr. Jeanne Marshall, BSpPath, PhD During this Psych Summit Session Sneak Peek episode of Feeding Does Matter, Valerie Gent and Jeanne Marshall explore the role of responsive feeding therapy in...

2025 Psych Summit Session Sneak Peek: Formulation-Driven Treatment Planning for ARFID: A Collaborative, Individualized Framework presented by Amy Talbot, DClinPsy, MSc. During this Psych Summit Session Sneak Peek episode of Feeding Does Matter, Amy Talbot discusses the need for a formulation-driven approach that respects individual differences and fosters collaboration among various disciplines to...