Feeding Does Matter

In this episode of Feeding Does Matter, hosts Jaclyn Pederson and Hayley Estrem discuss the challenges faced by families and professionals in the feeding field during high anxiety times. They are joined by Dr. Anka Roberto, who shares practical strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and mental health. The conversation covers topics such as parenting, mindfulness, self-care techniques, ...

Host Jaclyn Pederson sits down with Jen Lambert, Senior Director of Community Engagement at Feeding Matters, to talk about the power of local community councils and what’s ahead for the Shannon Goldwater Summit for Change watch parties.

Join or Start a Feeding Matters Community Council

Learn more about the local Shannon Goldwater Summit for Change watch parties.

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 ...

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 disorde...

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....

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 ...

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 t...

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 Res...

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 the...

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 ...

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...