History
Click on the links below to learn about the history of nutrition and nutrition therapy.
Post-Civil
War
Infant mortality was exceedingly high. Child labor was common. Problems of
communicable disease, poor sanitation, and lack of knowledge about child hygiene
were major challenges. The development of voluntary agencies was beginning
and children's hospitals and state health agencies were developing. Public
schools assumed a greater role in the detection and control of childhood illness.
1900-1909
Child labor is still common. Voluntary agencies have a major role in child
health, and the federal government's role is just beginning to develop. Advances
in knowledge in pediatrics, obstetrics, environmental sanitation, and nutrition
are under way.
1910-1919
World War I is declared. Food supplies as well as many other aspects of national
life are affected. State and local health agencies become more aware of maternal
and child health issues. Schools of public health are being organized, and
the role of the federal government in maternal and child health is expanding.
The US food administrator initiates a food campaign to familiarize the American
people with nutrition concepts.
1920-1929
The idea that child health is a public responsibility has gained more acceptance.
Waves of immigration are underway. Congress provides direct federal funding
for personal health services, but controversy about the appropriate role of
government in such services continues. Rapid progress is being made in pediatrics
and infant nutrition. There is growing awareness of the different contributions
of the various health disciplines to maternal and child health, and their
different roles.
1930-1939
Severe economic depression affects the well-being of children. As the depression
deepens, there is a decrease in available medical care for children, an increase
in undernutrition, and an increase in maternal mortality. The science of nutrition
expands.
1940-1949
World War II results in food rationing, more women entering the work force,
and growth of day care programs. There is rapid scientific progress in the
knowledge of nutrition, medicine, and public health.
1950-1959
There are some economic advances during the decade. Financing of health services
and medical care, however, remains a significant problem for many. Concern
for the welfare of children with handicaps, including mental retardation,
grows. Significant advances in medicine include the discovery of the polio
vaccine and more awareness of the role of nutrition in treatment and rehabilitation.
1960-1969
Civil rights and the war on poverty are important national issues. A massive
amount of legislation is enacted which increases intervention and service
programs targeted toward low-income groups. A new set of child health problems
begin to emerge (e.g., increases in substance abuse, adolescent pregnancy,
venereal disease, and child abuse). Concern with environmental issues escalates,
as does national alarm about the prevalence of hunger. University Affiliated
Programs are developed and include nutrition services and training as an important
interdisciplinary component
1970-1979
Federal legislation and program changes continue to have an impact on maternal
and child health services. Findings from several national nutrition studies
document the prevalence of nutrition-related disorders among children. Coordination
of services receives more attention, including legislative requirements for
coordination.
This information was adapted from Egan MC, Oglesby AC. Nutrition services in the Maternal and Child Health Program: a historical perspective. In: Sharbaugh CO (Ed.) (1991). Call to Action: Better Nutrition for Mothers, Children, and Families. Washington DC: National Center for Educational and Child Health.
Center on Human Development and Disability,
Clinical Training Unit, University of Washington,
Box 357920, Seattle, WA 98195-7920 lend@u.washington.edu