The stories in this book are diverse, spanning five decades and playing out in different arenas, from local to global. They take place in developing countries all over the world, and they involve many sectors and disciplines beyond nutrition itself, including health, agriculture, education, social protection, and water and sanitation. Most importantly, they paint a nuanced picture of success as a context-specific achievement that may, or may not, endure into the future.

In recent years, the world has seen unprecedented attention and political commitment to addressing malnutrition. Milestones such as the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, the Lancet Maternal and Child Nutrition Series, and the Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2) have marked the rapid rise of nutrition on the global policy and research agenda. These developments reverse years of relative neglect for nutrition. Undernutrition is a global challenge with huge social and economic costs. It kills millions of young children annually, stunts growth, erodes child development, reduces the amount of schooling children attain, and increases the likelihood of their being poor as adults, if they survive. Stunting persists through a lifetime and beyond—underweight mothers are more likely to give birth to underweight children, perpetuating undernutrition across generations. Undernutrition reduces global gross domestic product by US$1.4–$2.1 trillion a year—the size of the total economy of Africa south of the Sahara.

In this one-of-a-kind book and guide, the author redefines health care as the practice of nourishing ourselves to support a lifelong partnership with our body. Guiding us from the human cell to the kitchen and beyond, the author explores every intersection where the body meets food. We are reminded that only nourishing food is capable of powering our metabolism, our brains, and our muscles. With the “Virtual Kitchen Tour”—a unique and practical exercise—we are invited to reevaluate our household food bank. Living in the context of relationships, family, friends, schools, senior centers, the workplace, and the community, all are recognized and respected participants in the lifestyle changes one will undertake. There is also a close look at how a western lifestyle contributes to chronic illness and how we can amend this. And through actual case studies we are invited to reflect on our own life ways.

Food Systems for an Urbanizing World is a joint report prepared by the World Bank and FAO. It aims to stimulate discussion and suggest pathways to support local and national governments, and civil society and private sector actors in their efforts to improve the performance and capacity of food systems. The report describes the diversity and ever-changing nature of food systems, with interlinked traditional, modern and informal channels that respond to different market segments and different consumer preferences. It also underscores the importance of targeting support to the type of city and food system. The task is not an easy one. Data are weak and empirical analysis is weaker. As cities’ engagement in urban food issues is relatively new, the institutions, governance mechanisms and capacities needed for effective design, implementation and delivery of this agenda must be strengthened. Finding effective ways to prioritize, mobilize and coordinate contributions from multiple sectors will be essential for achieving food system goals.

Offers a guide to child rearing and child nutrition that focuses on a nutrient dense diet from pregnancy through childhood and natural treatments for childhood illnesses.