Associations between Household- and Child-Referenced Food Security Status and Dietary Intake among Low-Income Urban Black Children.

Abstract

We examined whether dietary intake differs across household and child food security (FS) status, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation among Black children (ages 9-15) in a low-income urban setting. This cross-sectional survey used the USDA 18-item Household Food Security Survey, that includes the 8-item Child Module, and a validated FFQ to assess children's diet (n=451). Nutrient intake differed across child FS status, but not household FS. SNAP participation was associated with better micronutrient intake (vitamin D and calcium) among food secure children. Assessing child-specific FS and nutrient adequacy clarifies children's actual experience and informs child-targeted policies.