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Malnutrition Awareness Week

Addressing the silent epidemic: This Malnutrition Awareness Week, gain knowledge and join the fight for better global health.

Monday

14–18

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEASPEN Malnutrition Awareness Week (2nd Mon Sep, 5-day Mon-Fri)

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYHealth Conditions

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Embrace the opportunity to make a difference on September 16, as we raise awareness about a critical global issue during Malnutrition Awareness Week. This urgent cause was spearheaded by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) in 2009 as an annual observance to advocate for proper nutrition, early detection of malnutrition and education about its adverse effects. Who'd have thought that something as simple as our daily food could have such a significant impact on our health? This week, we aim to dissipate the shadow cast by this silent epidemic and work towards a healthier world community. Gain knowledge, take action, and join the fight for improved global health. Let's use this Malnutrition Awareness Week to create a ripple for change because together, we can transform lives. It all begins here!

TIMELINE

Malnutrition Awareness Week Timeline

Early Malnutrition Studies

The medical community begins studying the impact of malnutrition on overall human health in the 19th century, focusing particularly on children's health.

UNICEF Formation

The United Nations creates UNICEF, a global organization committed to addressing children's needs, including the struggle against malnutrition.

ASPEN Established

The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) is founded, focusing on improving practice and research in clinical nutrition, including malnutrition.

Millennium Development Goals

The United Nations sets the Millennium Development Goals, including Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Hunger and Malnutrition, enhancing global focus on nutrition issues.

First Malnutrition Awareness Week

ASPEN spearheads the inaugural Malnutrition Awareness Week to draw attention to the importance of nutrition as a crucial component of health.

Sustainable Development Goals

The United Nations sets the Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 2: End Hunger, Achieve Food Security and Improved Nutrition, marking the global commitment towards ending malnutrition.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Malnutrition Awareness Week

Educate yourself

Start by learning more about malnutrition. Seek resources online, attend seminars, or listen to podcasts about the topic. Understand what causes malnutrition, its impacts, and what one can do to prevent it, both in your community and around the world.

ATTEND

Attend an event

ASPEN usually offers a series of webinars during Malnutrition Awareness Week, or look for local events happening in your area. These sessions dwell on various aspects around malnutrition, ranging from prevention, treatment to government policies.

Share information on social media

Use your social media accounts to spread the word about Malnutrition Awareness Week. You could share statistics, educational infographics, or even your own experiences and knowledge about the issue to increase awareness.

HOST

Host a food drive

Organize a food drive in your local community. Donate collected items to a food bank or a community center. While food drives are a temporary solution, they can be a lifesaver in crisis situations, and encourages conversations about food insecurity and malnutrition.

ORGANIZE

Organize a fundraising event for malnutrition support

Use your creativity to host a fundraiser for an organization that combats malnutrition. It can be as simple as a bake sale, or something more complex like a charity run or an auction. The funds gathered will go a long way in providing much needed assistance to those suffering from malnutrition.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Malnutrition Awareness Week is Important

Fosters Community Involvement

No fight can be won alone, and Malnutrition Awareness Week fosters a sense of community, bringing people together for a common cause. Whether it's through organizing or participating in fundraising events, hosting food drives or sharing information on social media, the week encourages everyone to play their part in combating malnutrition.

Educational Opportunities

We love Malnutrition Awareness Week because it provides countless opportunities to learn more about the devastating impacts of malnutrition and the crucial importance of healthy nutrition. From online resources to webinars, there are many ways to educate ourselves and others about these important issues during this observance.

Promotes Action

Malnutrition Awareness Week inspires action, whether it's sharing valuable information, attending an event, or hosting a food drive. It's a great platform for those looking to make an impact in their community and globally. The targeted activities not only bring attention to the problem of malnutrition but actively contribute towards solutions.

Related holidays

Global Child Nutrition Month

This Global Child Nutrition Month, join the fight against child hunger and help provide nourishment for children all around the world.

World Hunger Day

Join the fight against world hunger on World Hunger Day - donate, volunteer, or spread awareness to make a difference!

World Food Day

Join us in celebrating World Food Day and make a difference - let's work together towards a world without hunger!

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Join us in raising awareness and promoting healthy habits this National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month! Together, we can make a difference.

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