In a world of increasing globalization and development, nutrition reaches beyond the bounds of a single food item or individual to encompass entire communities and nations, food systems, health systems and institutions. Nutrition is not only a basic human need for survival but has far reaching implications for growth, health and prosperity.

As a global community, we have invested heavily and made significant progress in improving nutrition over the past few decades. This resource, Nourishing Lives and Building the Future: The History of Nutrition at USAID describes much of USAID’s investments and contributions to this progress, achieved by working closely with implementing partners, host countries, civil society, the private sector, the global research community and other key stakeholders. Our shared accomplishments remind us how far we have come, but as we look at the trends today and challenges ahead, there is still much work left to be done.