Associations between Household- and Child-Referenced Food Security Status and Dietary intake among Low-income Urban Black Children

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, which 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.

Automated summary

This study examined the differences in dietary intake across household and child food security status, as well as the impact of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation on Black children's diet in a low-income urban setting. The results showed that nutrient intake varied based on child food security status, but not household food security status. Additionally, SNAP participation was associated with improved micronutrient intake among food secure children.