Children and Hunger: Food Insecurity
Inadequate food intake in children is associated with health, behavioral, and cognitive delays. Children who have limited access to food are more likely to have difficulty with relationships. They also tend to perform more poorly on tests of cognitive development.
Children in food-insecure households have more complaints of illness, higher hospitalization rates, higher rates of anemia and chronic health conditions.
Studies also indicate that children experiencing food insecurity show increased behavioral issues, social delays, higher anxiety and depression, and as a child reaches adolescence higher rates of suicidal symptoms.
Children who are food insecure show smaller gains academically and struggle with peer relationships throughout childhood.
Counter-intuitively, child food insecurity is also associated with being overweight. Food insecurity can result in a lower quality diet with less variety. Unpredictable food availability can also contribute to a life-long cycle of over eating.
If your family is struggling with food insecurity there are many options available. The website www.feedingamerica.org is a great resource for finding help near you.
If you are able please consider donating to an organization that helps those in need.
If you have questions about your child’s development we can help. Please call at 651-636-4155.