The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and Lantern announced on May 5 the launch of EAT, a free texting program designed to provide expert advice for caregivers facing feeding challenges with young children.
Feeding issues are common among families with children ages 6 months to 5 years, but reliable information can be difficult to find. The new EAT program aims to offer trusted guidance from specialists in a convenient text message format, addressing both everyday picky eating and more serious pediatric feeding disorders.
Linda I. Rosa-Lugo, EdD, CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow and the association’s president for 2026, said: “Parents and caregivers put tremendous pressure on themselves when it comes to feeding their children, and it can be incredibly upsetting when a child has difficulty eating. Reliable, easy-to-access information can make a real difference. By meeting families where they are, in the midst of their busy lives, the EAT program can effectively empower caregivers and help ensure that all children have the best possible start in life—at the table and beyond.”
Jodie Fishman, MPH, MCHES and Chief Content Officer at Lantern said: “Misinformation can lead parents down unproductive paths when it comes to how, and what, to feed their children. Additionally, many caregivers struggle with distinguishing typical feeding concerns or variations in development from the signs of a disorder. This can lead to delays in seeking help which can contribute to prolonged stress around mealtimes and missed opportunities for early intervention.”
Caregivers may enroll by texting EAT to 274-448 or filling out an online form on Lantern’s website. Subscribers receive one weekly message over about five months containing tips on topics such as responsive feeding strategies or recognizing signs that professional help may be needed. The content is available in English, Spanish, and Arabic.
EAT is ASHA’s third specialty texting collaboration with Lantern since 2021; previous programs addressed speech/language concerns (TALK) or hearing loss (HEAR), both recognized nationally for impact. All content was developed by certified experts specializing in pediatric feeding.
The organizations say that health care providers—including pediatricians and therapists—can also use EAT as an educational tool for families.