Meta-review of child and adolescent experiences and consequences of food insecurity

Abstract

We conducted a meta-review of consequences associated with food insecurity for children and adolescents, how these consequences occur, and what evidence is available that associations between food insecurity and child outcomes are causal. A systematic search in five databases identified 55 studies on child and adolescent food insecurity and potential consequences. Extensive literature accumulated over nearly 30 years has identified profound consequences for growth, diet, health, and psychological development for children and adolescents who experience food insecurity. Many of these consequences, particularly for academic performance, behavior and psychological development, and mental health, will affect the readiness of children and adolescents for adulthood and occur regardless of setting.