Church Contributes $25 Million to UNICEF Child Nutrition Fund

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is contributing US$25 million to a UNICEF effort that provides nutrition to millions of children and mothers around the world.

The donation supports the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), a global initiative that works to prevent and treat malnutrition. Through a matching challenge announced in 2025, the Church’s contribution will generate an additional $25 million, bringing the total impact to $50 million.

This contribution will help the fund reach up to 320 million children and women each year by 2030 with proven, lifesaving interventions, including support for programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, the Philippines and Sierra Leone.

These efforts will support mothers and young children by improving nutrition, promoting breastfeeding and healthy diets, providing essential vitamins, and helping identify and treat life-threatening malnutrition early. The work will help reach those in greatest need while strengthening local health systems so services can continue over time.

“We are grateful to work with UNICEF to improve the health and nutrition of women and children,” said Presiding Bishop W. Christopher Waddell of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Our long-standing work with UNICEF reflects shared values and a commitment to care for those in need around the world. The Church’s efforts to care for those who are vulnerable are guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ to seek out and serve individuals.”

Poor nutrition is a significant factor in nearly half of all deaths among children worldwide.

Today, 181 million children lack access to even the most basic nutritious foods. About 150 million suffer from stunted growth, which can limit their development, and another 43 million face severe, life-threatening malnutrition.

“UNICEF is grateful to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for its long commitment to improving the lives of children, and for this generous contribution,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “It comes at a critical time and will help deliver lifesaving nutrition to millions of children and women who need it the most.”

Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson said every child deserves a healthy start in life.

“Our multiyear focus on maternal and child nutrition is designed to invest directly in the future,” President Johnson said. “By addressing these critical dietary shortages, we are empowering mothers to help their children reach their potential.”

More on the Church’s Humanitarian Efforts

The humanitarian efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seek to relieve suffering, foster self-reliance and provide opportunities for service around the world. According to the Church’s “Caring for Those in Need: 2025 Report,” these efforts included $1.58 billion in expenditures, 7.4 million hours of volunteer service and 3,514 humanitarian projects in 196 countries and territories. Assistance is provided without regard to race, religion or nationality.

Learn more at Caring.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.