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) 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. Past recipients of the Family Assistance Program are not eligible to apply a second time.

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 rated.

Can I submit for more than one child?
If you have more than one child with PFD, you may include both children in one application. You do not have to fill out a separate application for each child, however, you will need to include both children in all documentation (healthcare provider document; letter from family member, friend, caregiver or school personnel; and personal statement).

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 to the Family Assistance Program a second time.

APPLICATION

What is the deadline for applying?
Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm ET on Friday, October 10, 2025.

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 and any accompanying documentation from a family member, friend, caregiver, or school personnel.
• 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. View template here.
• Letter from family member, friend, caregiver, or school personnel. View template here.
• Most currentFederal Income Tax (Form 1040 wth social security numbers removed).
• Personal Statement. View template here.
• Photo of child.

When will I be notified if the award is offered to me?
Applicants will receive notification by email and the recipients will be notified by phone by November 3-7, 2025.

When will the assistance checks be mailed?
Checks will be mailed to recipients after we receive your PFD Story submission and w9.

What can the funds be used for?
The following is a list of what the money can be used. 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.

• Evaluation and treatment
• Family counseling
• Furthring 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.)
• Household items necessary for caring for a child with PFD (blenders, adaptive seating, specialty utensils, etc.)

.If awarded, what is required?

• 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.
• Provide most current w9.

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.