Pediatrician promotes importance of child nutrition amid inflation prices

9.6% of Virginia households are already considered food insecure

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Health experts want you to make sure your child’s nutrition a priority, even as Virginians face inflation on just about everything.

Dr. Percita Ellis, a pediatrician with Rockbridge Area Health Center in Lexington, says 9.6% of Virginia households are already considered food insecure.

She says children that do not get a balanced breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day are more likely to get sick and take longer to feel better.

“When kids do not get the appropriate nutrition, they have problems developing, they have problems academically, and they also have problems in terms of peer interactions,” said Dr. Ellis.

There are state and federal resources, including SNAP and WIC, available to help those needing benefits.


About the Author:

Tim Harfmann joined the 10 News team in September 2020 and works at the station's Lynchburg bureau.