Resolutions introduced in the U.S. Senate and House support designating September 14–18, 2026, as “Malnutrition Awareness Week” and highlight the importance of preventing, identifying, and addressing malnutrition.
Senate and House Introduce Companion Resolutions
On September 14, Senator Chris Murphy introduced S.Res.850. The following day, Representative Suzanne Bonamici introduced the companion H.Res.1538 with six original cosponsors: Representatives Brian K. Fitzpatrick, Jahana Hayes, Michael Lawler, and André Carson; Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton; and Representative Sanford D. Bishop Jr.
The resolutions represent a bicameral effort to increase awareness of malnutrition and recognize the importance of evidence-based nutrition care.
Advancing Malnutrition Prevention and Care
The House resolution recognizes nutrition professionals, healthcare providers, school food service workers, social workers, caregivers, advocates, and community organizations working to prevent, identify, and address malnutrition. It also recognizes the role of federal nutrition programs in providing healthy food and nutrition interventions, preventing food insecurity and malnutrition, and supporting health across the lifespan.
The resolution notes that infants, children, older adults, people with chronic diseases, and other vulnerable populations are particularly at risk. It also recognizes that early identification and intervention can reduce healthcare costs, hospital readmissions, and long-term complications.
H.Res.1538 acknowledges that ASPEN established Malnutrition Awareness Week™ to raise awareness and promote malnutrition prevention across the lifespan. Separately, ASPEN’s 2026 theme, “Nutrition Care Is a Team Effort,” highlights the role of collaboration in nutrition care.
ASPEN thanks Representative Bonamici, Senator Murphy, and the House cosponsors for supporting Malnutrition Awareness Week and increasing awareness of malnutrition.
State Proclamations Recognize Malnutrition Awareness Week
Thanks to ASPEN members, proclamation requests were submitted in 48 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. As of September 16, governors in 19 states have issued proclamations recognizing the 2026 observance, and additional proclamations continue to arrive. View ASPEN’s proclamation tracker.