Food security status and health outcomes in Canadian children

What is it about?

Food insecurity is an important public health and social issue in Canada. The purpose of this research was to determine if children from households experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity had poorer diets, higher body weights, and poorer psychosocial outcomes than students from households with high food security or marginal food insecurity status.

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Why is it important?

Children experiencing moderate and severe food insecurity reported higher energy intakes and were less likely to meet intake recommendations for vegetables, fruit and milk products, while the reverse was seen for meeting grain product recommendations. Moderate to severe food insecurity was associated with lower health-related quality of life. These findings highlight the physical and mental health consequences associated with lack of access to adequate and nutritious food.