Food insecurity among parents of young children in the United States and Australia: focusing on etiology and outcomes

Abstract

The purpose of this commentary is to highlight the established etiology and outcomes related to food insecurity for families with young children (ages 0–5 and pregnant women) living in the U.S. and Australia. We initiated a cross-country research collaboration between the United States (U.S.) and Australia in order to gain an understanding of food security across two high-income countries in terms of definitions and measurement, causes and consequences, welfare provisions, and food systems. Throughout this work, key factors that drive similarities and differences related to food insecurity were identified to include: economic, social, geographical, and political influences. Despite many similarities between the U.S. and Australia, several differences noted included: a broader definition of food security in Australia (yet limited surveillance/measurement in both countries), differing policies and government support for low-income populations, varying structures and reach of emergency food systems, and divergent food access challenges. In order to foster shared learning and dissemination of “what works” to address food security across the globe, it is essential to widen our view and collaborate across borders and sectors.