Household Food Production and Dietary Habits Among Schoolchildren and Their Families in Rural Settings

Household food production (HFP) has been proposed as a strategy to promote healthier and more sustainable food environments, although its association with dietary practices among rural populations remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between household food production and the dietary habits of schoolchildren and their families. This cross-sectional study evaluated 465 schoolchildren aged 6–13 years from eight rural schools in the Maule Region, Chile, and their families. Household characteristics, HFP, and dietary intake were assessed using caregiver-administered questionnaires. Overall, 46.5% of households reported HFP. Among schoolchildren, HFP was associated with a higher frequency of daily water consumption (97.0% vs. 92.0%; p = 0.035); however, no significant differences were observed in fruit, vegetable, or sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption. At the family level, households engaged in food production reported a lower prevalence of daily SSB consumption than those without HFP (20.0% vs. 34.0%; p = 0.014). School snacks were predominantly characterized by fried snacks and ultra-processed beverages regardless of HFP status. Overall, these findings suggest that HFP may be associated with specific healthier dietary practices but may not be sufficient to modify children’s dietary patterns when considered in isolation. These findings support integrated strategies to promote healthier dietary practices.