A mother and father smile at their toddler while she eats watermelon.
A mother and father smile at their toddler while she eats watermelon.

HEALTHY CHILDREN & FAMILIES

The health of our nation depends upon the health and well-being of our children and families. All families—no matter who they are, where they live, or how much money they make—should have the resources they need to foster the healthy development of their children. 

RWJF invests in leaders and organizations working to improve family wellbeing and child wellbeing.

Related News and Insights

Read expert perspectives and the latest research from RWJF.

Brief
A man helping his mother with her food shopping.

SNAP Fell Short in Helping Families Afford Rising Food Prices in 2022

Due to unprecedented food inflation, SNAP benefits fell short in helping families afford the rising food prices in 2022.

1-min read

Child and Family Wellbeing Policy and Law Nutrition
Richmond, VA COH 2017. Jana (mom), Hal (dad) and Naomi Schevitz (baby) enjoy fresh fruit at the Carytown Watermelon Festival. Each year the Shriners sell watermelons donated by Publix Super Markets with the proceeds benefiting the Shriners Hospital for children. This is the only multi-hospital pediatric system in the United States that provides care and services to children free of charge. The Shriners Hospitals for children are currently treating hundreds of children from the Richmond area.

Healthy Children and Families: Economic Inclusion for Family Wellbeing

Every family should have the opportunity to make healthy choices, and we're here to help establish the building blocks for good health across our nation.

1-min read

Child and Family Wellbeing
Blog Post
Family voices illustration.

Why Solving the Caregiving Puzzle Must Include Families

When we listen to families and prioritize their needs and aspirations, we can build meaningful policies and programs that benefit all.

5-min read

Child and Family Wellbeing Structural Racism
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Featured Initiatives

RWJF funds many initiatives in support of our vision for a Culture of Health. For this focus area, these initiatives were selected to demonstrate grantmaking that is helping us achieve the greatest impact.  

School Resource Officer Tameika Sanders talks with students and parents during Beyond Housing's "Beyond the Backpack" event on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016. The event, held at Normandy High School in Northern St. Louis County, Mo., provided families in the 24:1 communities with back-to-school resources, including immunizations and haircuts.

Council for a Strong America

Five organizations of powerful leaders prepare the next generation to be well-educated, physically fit, and prepared for productive lives.

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Young girl looking at video on digital tablet with father at kitchen table

Child Opportunity Index

Child Opportunity Index measures and maps the quality of resources and conditions that matter for children to develop in a healthy way - regardless of where they live or their race and ethnicity.

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Birgit Lemke assists Ziaur Rahman with his tax questions at the LiveWell Finney County Neighborhood Learning Center in Garden City, Kansas. Rahman is a refugee from Myanmar and works at the Tyson Fresh Meats meatpacking plant. LiveWell helps refugees and immigrants with health care, housing and job applications and offers classes in English, nutrition and other life skills. Many of the Myanmar refugees they serve are from opposing ethnic groups.

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP)

The CBPP is a nonpartisan research and policy institute that applies their deep experience in budget and tax issues to pursue policies that reduce poverty and inequity, while also strengthening families.

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