The word hunger can mean the painful sensation caused by lack of food, lack or scarcity of food in a country, or a strong desire or craving. In relation to the term World Hunger, the word refers to the lack or scarcity of food in a country (World Hunger, 2011). In areas of the world, including the United States, where hunger is a problem, malnutrition becomes a very serious concern. Malnutrition is a very simple term that refers to the general lack of some or all of the nutrients needed to support human health. There are two main types of malnutrition: protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) and micronutrient deficiency (World Hunger, 2011). Although both types of malnutrition are dangerous, PEM is the most prominent and best-known form of the disease and is definitely fatal. In the early developmental years of a child's life, particularly from zero to five years of age, malnutrition is a major concern. Failure to adequately nourish a child's body can cause irreversible damage to the mind leading to developmental delays, slowed physical, cognitive and emotional growth, mental retardation, lifelong illness and even death. In many countries around the world, a lack of funding and resources contributes significantly to the problem of child malnutrition. However, in established countries like the United States, where extensive programs like Women Infants and Children are established to eradicate these problems, they still exist. This is largely due to a lack of education. Many young mothers are unaware of the nutritional needs of their young children. Unfortunately, many cases are also the result of abuse and neglect. Regardless of the reason or situation that led to the circumstances that led to a malnourished child, education is the answer... at the heart of the card... to develop healthily physically, cognitively, emotionally and socially, a child must be fed. Bibliography DeLong, G. R. (1993). Effects of nutrition on brain development in humans. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 285-290. McCarron, D. A., Richartz, N., Brigham, S., White, M. K., Klein, S. P., & Kessel, S. S. (2010). Community-based priorities for improving childhood nutrition and physical activity. Pediatrics, 73-89. Nutrition. (n.d.). Retrieved October 2, 2011, from Worldbank: web.worldbank.orgRuel, M., & Hoddinott, J. (2008, November). Investing in early childhood nutrition. Retrieved October 2, 2011, from IFPRI: ifpri.org Shankoff, J. P., & Phillips, D. (2000). From neurons to neighborhoods. Washington DC: National Academies Press. Hunger in the world. (2011, August 16). Retrieved October 2, 2011, from www.worldhunger.org