Good nutrition is a cornerstone of healthy child development, starting with conception through especially the first two years of life, when malnutrition can have an irreversible impact on growth and brain development. Without the right nutrition, children will face problems from the start in developing into healthy adults who can lead productive lives and have and raise healthy children. Making sure that children get enough food and the right kinds of food is particularly important during economic crises, when poor families may have to cut back on the amount and quality of food they consume, with children often suffering the most. But questions remain on how best to encourage proper nutrition. The recent global financial crisis has raised concerns about malnutrition and food supplies, but still lack data on the effects and repercussions. The Indonesia study, while it looks at a previous crisis, provides useful lessons into how governments and policy experts can work to support proper mother and child nutrition during times of economic crisis. Although Indonesia had the advantage of an already-existing network of local health clinics and village midwives, who were experienced in handling community health programs, this study makes clear that a targeted feeding program to provide children with special snacks can effectively protect healthy growth. Good nutrition is important to protect and encourage good early childhood development, which is key to giving children the best mental and physical start in life. In turn, children can grow into healthy and productive adults, who themselves have healthy children. Policymakers and development experts concerned about helping support the most vulnerable populations, especially during crises, may want to consider supplementary nutritional feeding programs for pregnant women and young children in order to promote and protect healthy development.