Food Insecurity Experiences Predict Children’s Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in the USA

This research analyses the longitudinal relationships between household food insecurity (very low and low food security) experiences and children’s consumption (servings/week) of fruit, green salad, carrots, potatoes, and other types of vegetables. Using a panel of 5,670 children aged 10–13 years who were first observed in spring 2004 and then again in spring 2007 at age 13–16 years, the main findings are as follows: first, children experiencing low food security consume significantly ( ) more fruit per week. In contrast, children experiencing very low food security consume significantly more carrots and potatoes per week, and estimates based on gender-stratified models indicate that the association is strongest among girls. Second, activity patterns are significantly related to children’s dietary patterns; physical exercise is positively associated with fruit, green salad, carrot, and other vegetables consumption, while television watching is positively associated with potato consumption. Overall, the findings suggest that children living in food insecure home environments consume a greater number of servings of fruits and vegetables per week, relative to children living in food secure home environments. 1. Introduction A staggering number of families in the USA frequently restrict dietary intake because of financial hardship. Nearly eight million households with children (20.6% of the total) reported an inability to afford nutritionally adequate food in 2011, and over eight million children are currently food insecure [1]. Even though widespread hunger and malnutrition are uncommon, a healthful diet remains the most expensive alternative for families [2]. It has been recognized that nutrient deficiencies compromise children’s growth and development [3–7] and that diet costs are positively related to fruit and vegetable intake [8]. In this study, we investigate how the intensity of food insecurity at home impacts children’s weekly consumption of fruits and vegetables because households with limited financial means are more likely to adopt less expensive diets with low nutritional content [9]. From a policy perspective, it is necessary to assess whether food insecurity experiences reduce children’s intake of items known to provide essential vitamins and minerals, particularly if dietary patterns persist [10, 11]. Insights into these relationships can help in evaluating the design of publicly funded programs aimed at preventing the undernourishment of children by targeting food sources that are inaccessible to households [12]. However, the