Good nutrition is the foundation for life and central to development and economic growth. Undernutrition is a significant problem in many of the countries where CRS works. In low-income countries, undernutrition is an underlying cause of 45% of child deaths, and a significant percentage of children, adolescents and adults are afflicted by micronutrient deficiencies, which affects immune function, productivity, and compromises human potential. CRS focuses on preventing and addressing undernutrition in all its forms during critical periods in the life cycle including infancy and early childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy. CRS programming is designed to address the immediate and underlying causes of undernutrition, and based on providing support to governments, civil society organizations, communities, private sector actors, and other stakeholders to improve nutrition at scale.

What We Do

In any given year, CRS implements over 20 projects that address malnutrition globally, and is active in Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia. CRS’ nutrition programs range in scope, and include integrated food and nutrition security projects, school feeding programs, and emergency food and nutrition assistance in countries in humanitarian crisis. CRS programming is evidence-based. We implement programs that yield results for families. CRS works closely with governments, civil society organizations including faith-based institutions, communities, and peer agencies to ensure that programs are appropriate and acceptable to the context where they’re implemented.

CRS is committed to addressing malnutrition comprehensively and in all its forms. CRS works to address acute malnutrition or wasting, common among crisis-affected communities, chronic malnutrition, which is more pervasive but less visible than wasting, and has deleterious effects on growth and development, micronutrient deficiencies, and other forms of malnutrition including overweight/obesity. People living in poverty are disproportionately affected by malnutrition, and CRS programs work to support the poorest of the poor, providing support to families and communities in fragile contexts.

CRS’ nutrition programming spans five areas of excellence, where we as an agency have a proven track record of strong performance, a wealth of learning, support from donors, and a commitment of our time and resources. CRS invests in rigorous monitoring, evaluation and learning, working closely with universities and research institutions, to expand our own understanding of the most cost-effective ways to address malnutrition, contribute to the global evidence base, and advocate for the populations it serves.

Explore the regions where CRS is transforming lives through your generosity. From Africa to Latin America, discover stories of hope and resilience across the globe.