The Impact of Food Insecurity on the Development of Preschool-Age Children

Access to nutritious food in early childhood (ages 0–4 years) is vital for normal development and school achievement. Food insecurity during these years has been linked to a range of health problems, from growth stunting to obesity as well as underweight.

To better understand the risks of food insecurity, researchers at medical centers in five U.S. cities used validated questionnaires to survey over 28,000 pairs of children and caregivers about food insecurity and children's growth, overall health, and developmental status. All children were aged <48 months. Food insecurity during the past year was assessed at both the household level and the child level (more severe).

The sample was ethnically diverse (50% non-Hispanic African-American and 3…