A Framework for Understanding the Association Between Food Insecurity and Children’s Developmental Outcomes

Abstract Food insecurity, defined as limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways, is still a problem in the United States. It is associated with poor parenting practices, poor health, and socioemotional and cognitive/academic difficulties in children. This review synthesizes some of these findings and suggest links among these outcomes. In this endeavor, it describes the concept of food insecurity and propose a mediational framework to anchor our discussions. Finally, it examines the implications of the review for research and policy.