#SchoolMeals

A new report reveals that childhood food insecurity remains a pressing and unevenly distributed problem across the United States, with alarming rates in some rural communities. According to Feeding America’s latest annual “Map the Meal Gap” study, released on May 14, 2025 and first reported by Axios, nearly one in five American children—estimated at about 14 million—live in food-insecure households. In certain rural counties, over 40% and up to 50% of children experience food insecurity—meaning their families struggle to reliably access enough nutritious food for a healthy, active life (Axios, Feeding America).

Childhood nutrition could play a powerful role in when Thai girls experience their first period, with new research revealing that a healthier diet may significantly reduce the risk of early menstruation. This development is especially significant for families and educators in Thailand, as earlier onset of menstruation—or menarche—is linked to increased health risks later in life, including heightened breast cancer risk, metabolic disorders, and psychological challenges.

Across the globe, girls are beginning their periods at younger ages than in previous generations. In Thailand, this shift has not gone unnoticed. Health officials and school counselors have observed similar trends, raising concerns about the long-term health impacts and the additional emotional burden placed on young girls, who must navigate adolescence sooner than expected. Early menstruation is strongly associated with various chronic diseases in adulthood, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and hormone-related cancers, according to the World Health Organization and recent Thai Ministry of Public Health reports (cnn.com).