Before entering public office, I was part of the medical community and personally understood the value of research programs to elevate the quality of treatment available to those seeking care. That is especially important in promoting the healthy development of our youngest patients who come from different backgrounds.

There is a strong partnership between the ACNC and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service, which has allowed it to focus on studying the biology of the childhood brain and how diet can impact its development. However, we know that many Arkansans lack access to partake in innovative research studies because of the rural nature of our state.

By collaborating to offer kids and families from both urban and rural communities the opportunity to participate in these studies, the Center, USDA and Arkansas Children’s have provided a wonderful example of working together to better serve the well-being of all patients.

Investing in research on the healthy development of our nation’s children is critical to the future success of our country. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I remain committed to championing federal support and critical funding for these initiatives.

As a former public school board member and now as the co-chair of the Senate Hunger caucus, I have long made it a priority to support children’s access to nutritious food. In Congress, I have worked in a bipartisan way to modernize the USDA summer meals programs and permanently allow states flexibilities to reach more food-insecure children in need.

ACNC has also made significant progress fighting food insecurity. It is encouraging to hear about the success of expanded summer meal options as well as the ACNC’s efforts to confirm our federal nutrition guidance is rooted in science through Associate Director Dr. Aline Andres’ participation on the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.

Better pediatric and maternal nutrition can also help us achieve improved outcomes for families in Arkansas. ACNC’s team of skilled and knowledgeable clinicians are conducting ongoing studies that continue to provide data on the importance of a healthy maternal diet for infants to meet key developmental milestones and achieve future success. As Arkansas works to improve the health and wellness of mothers and infants, research like this ensures we are on the right path.

We are privileged to have this tremendous resource right here in The Natural State. This elite institution is transferring research findings from the lab to make a real difference in communities, helping win the battle against some chronic diseases and exploring new approaches to overcome others.

We must continue to support ACNC’s efforts to champion human nutrition research and accessibility in delivering sound guidance and care. Its efforts and consistent successes are a blessing that we cannot and do not take for granted.