Funded Projects

Iron Strong Kids: Preventing Childhood Anemia

Project Year

2026

City & State

Madera, California

Program Name

Resident

Topic

Health Education & Prevention

Program Description

Problem   Iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) remain significant public health concerns among young children in the United States, disproportionately affecting children from low-income households. National estimates suggest that approximately 8% of children ages 1–5 years experience iron deficiency, with 1–2% affected by iron-deficiency anemia; rates are higher (approximately 3–4%) among children living in poverty (i).   Although Central Valley–specific prevalence data are limited, socioeconomic conditions common in the Fresno region—including high poverty rates, food insecurity, and limited access to nutritious foods—are associated with lower rates of preventive screening and increased risk of iron deficiency and anemia. Families living in subsidized housing face compounded barriers to nutrition education and preventive care. When unrecognized or untreated, iron deficiency in early childhood is associated with delayed neurodevelopment, behavioral challenges, and impaired immune function.  

Primary Setting & Number of Children Affected   This project will focus on families with children under age five residing in Fresno Housing Authority (FHA) communities that serve the largest number of children under the age of 5 years. FHA serves a large, low-income population in Fresno County, including many Spanish-speaking households and families employed in agricultural and service-sector work. Sixty-two percent of FHA households earn less than $12,150 per year (ii).   While local prevalence estimates of IDA are unavailable, extrapolation from national data suggests that several hundred children under age five in these communities may be iron deficient, with a subset experiencing anemia without adequate screening or nutrition support.  

Project Goal   The goal of this project is to improve prevention and early identification of iron deficiency and IDA among young children in FHA-served families by expanding access to culturally responsive nutrition education and strengthening caregiver knowledge and feeding practices. The goal is to train 15-20 caregivers/parents at 3 separately identified sites, along with 2-3 resident housing champions for sustainability.  

Proposed Intervention   The intervention is a bilingual, community-based nutrition education program implemented in partnership with the Fresno Housing Authority and delivered through two complementary components:   1. Hands-On Nutrition Workshops   Interactive workshops will be held at FHA community sites in English and Spanish. Sessions will focus on identifying affordable, culturally familiar iron-rich foods; demonstrating simple meals and snacks; explaining appropriate toddler milk intake; and teaching strategies to enhance iron absorption. Families will receive take-home materials tailored to Central Valley food traditions and accessible grocery options.  2. Mobile Micro-Learning   To reach families unable to attend in person, four short educational videos will be distributed via QR codes and text messaging. Videos will reinforce key messages, demonstrate low-cost grocery strategies, and share culturally relevant recipes, ensuring flexible and equitable access to education.  

Anticipated Outcomes   Short-term: Increased caregiver knowledge, confidence, and awareness of iron deficiency prevention.  

Intermediate: Improved feeding practices, increased use of iron-rich foods, and enhanced linkage to pediatric care for screening when indicated.  

Long-term: Reduced risk of undiagnosed iron deficiency and anemia and improved growth, development, and well-being among children under five in this high-risk community. 

Project Goal

The goal of this project is to reduce the risk of iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia among children under five living in Fresno Housing Authority–served communities by improving caregiver knowledge, access to culturally responsive nutrition education, and practical strategies for incorporating affordable iron-rich foods into daily meals. 

Project Objective 1

By the end of the 12-month project period, at least 75% of participating caregivers of children under age five will achieve a “good” level of understanding of iron nutrition and feeding practices.

Project Objective 2

By the end of the project year, at least 60% of participating caregivers will report “high confidence and low perceived barriers” to providing iron-rich foods for their children. 

Project Objective 3

By the end of the 12-month project period, at least 50% of participating caregivers of children under age five who are unable to attend in-person sessions will access nutrition education through QR code–linked mobile learning videos and achieve “fair or good” understanding of iron nutrition.

AAP District

District IX

Institutional Name

Valley Children's Healthcare

Contact 1

Ria Peralta, DO