Frequently asked questions

ELIGIBILITY

Who is eligible to apply?
Any parent or legal guardian of a child under 18 years of age with pediatric feeding disorder (PFD), avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), or feeding difficulties who can demonstrate financial need may apply for financial assistance. Applicants must reside in the United States. Feeding Matters founders, directors, officers, staff, selection committee, council members, community advisors, substantial contributors, and their family members are not eligible to apply to eliminate bias. Anyone who has received financial assistance through Feeding Matters in the last 2 years are not eligible to apply.

Can I apply if my child has not been diagnosed with PFD?
If your child has feeding difficulties and you have documentation from your child’s pediatrician or primary care doctor, you can apply. Please note, while a diagnosis is not required, the application and FAQ uses PFD for the sake of simplicity.

Can I apply if my child has health insurance coverage?
Yes, you may apply even if your child has health insurance coverage. The assistance cannot be used to pay for expenses that are covered by your insurance provider, or as reimbursement for expenses paid prior to receiving assistance. The application will ask you to list non-covered expenses and out-of-pocket expenses from the last year.

Is there an income requirement to apply?
No, however the percentage of Federal Poverty Level will be considered.

Can I submit for more than one child?
The application should be filled out for one child, however, if you have another child with PFD, you may indicate that in your personal statement and share how the funds might be used across the children’s feeding needs.

Can I apply again?
If you apply and are not awarded funds, you may apply again in the future. There is no maximum number of times you can apply. However, past recipients are not eligible to apply for 2 years.

APPLICATION

How much is the award?
In 2026, the Family Assistance Program will award a total of $10,000. Five families will receive $2,000.

What can the funds be used for?
The following items can be purchased with our funds, if selected as a recipient. If you don’t see an item listed that you are wanting to use the funds for, you will be able to specify in the application.

Please also note: The assistance cannot be used to pay for expenses that are covered by your insurance provider, or as reimbursement for expenses paid prior to receiving assistance.

Household items necessary for caring for a child with PFD (blenders, adaptive seating, specialty utensils, etc.)

• Evaluation and treatment
• Family counseling
• Furthering PFD or related education
• Feeding therapy (weekly and/or intensive)
• Future appointment insurance copays (related to PFD)
• Appointments with specialists (registered dietitian nutritionist, clinical psychologist, psychiatrist)
• Travel for treatment (lodging, gas, portable refrigerator)
• Specialty formulas and supplements (pediasure, thickeners, etc.)

What can the funds not be used for?

• Costs that do not directly relate to caring for a child with PFD (rent, monthly payments such as car insurance, phone, internet, etc.)
• Reimbursement for expenses paid prior to receiving assistance.
• Items covered by insurance.

What is the deadline for applying?
Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm ET on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

What are the criteria being considered in the selection process?
The following criteria will be considered by the selection committee:

• Applicant has submitted a complete application and has followed all instructions.
• The physical and emotional effect caring for a child with PFD has had on the family as explained in your personal statement. The degree to which the expenses to be paid for using the Family Assistance Program funds will positively impact the child’s health as explained in the personal statement.
• The selection process will not be influenced or affected by the actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, gender, age or sexual orientation of any applicant.

What will I need to provide with my application?
The following attachments are required and it is highly recommended that you download the following templates prior to filling out the application.

• Letter from a pediatrician or primary care doctor documenting your child’s PFD or feeding difficulties. Letter must be on the practice letter head or stamped with their name. View template here.
• Most currentFederal Income Tax (Form 1040 wth social security numbers redacted).
• Personal Statement. View template here.
• Photo of child.

What if English isn’t my family’s primary language?
You are welcome to write your personal statement in the language you are most comfortable using and our team will translate it. If you need assistance or an interpreter, contact us at (800) 233=4658 x1 or hvandermolen@feedingmatters.org. View Spanish Personal Statement here.

If awarded, what is required?
If selected as a recipient, you will be contacted via phone call. You will be required to submit the following before you receive your award:

• Your most current w9.
• Share your child’s PFD story on Feeding Matters Website, which may be shared on social media. View the PFD Story submission form to see what is involved. Sharing your story raises awareness of PFD and feeding difficulties and is encouraged for all applicants. You do not have to mention that you received funds.

When will the assistance checks be mailed?
Checks will be mailed to recipients after we receive your PFD Story submission and W9, including your full mailing address.

Who selects the recipients?
The Financial Assistance Program committee will be in charge of selecting the recipients based on the selection criteria mentioned above.

How is the family assistance program funded?
Feeding Matters is a non-profit organization. The Family Assistance Program is provided through generous private donations. If you or someone you know is interested in contributing to the mission of Feeding Matters, please visit our donation page.

Whom should I contact with questions about Feeding Matters, the Family Assistance Program, my application, and/or technical difficulties?
Please contact the Feeding Matters office at (800) 233-4658 x1 or hvandermolen@feedingmatters.org.