Food Resource Management Skills Modify the Associations Between Household Food Insecurity and Child Feeding Practices in SNAP-Ed Eligible Head Start Families

Abstract Objectives To explore how food security (FS) and food resource management (FRM), strategies to stretch limited food resource dollars, are associated with child feeding practices in low-income preschoolers. Methods In a cross-sectional sample of 364 Head Start households, caregivers completed the 18-item FS module, 6-item FRM behavior subscale, Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire (e.g., monitoring, restriction, food as reward), and Perceived Stress scale. Households were categorized into four food environment subgroups: FS/good FRM, FS/poor FRM, food insecure/good FRM, and food insecure/poor FRM. Multivariable linear regressions were applied to examine if feeding practices differed across FS-FRM categories, adjusting for demographic and socio-economic covariates that differed significantly by FS-FRM subgroups (race, SNAP participation, parent BMI status). For all models, FS/good FRM was the referent. Lastly, we explored the effect of adding perceived stress to the model. on feeding practices. Results 37% of households were food insecure. The use of parent monitoring, modeling, involvement, and food as reward were significantly different by FS-FRM subgroups (all p-values <0.02). After adjusting for covariates, the FS/poor FRM group used less monitoring (–0.48, 95% CI: –0.71, –0.24), modeling (–0.42, 95CI: –0.66, –0.18), and involvement in feeding (–0.56, 95% CI: –0.80, –0.31). A similar pattern emerged for the food insecure/poor FRM group compared to referent. The use of food as reward was higher in the FS/poor FRM (0.29, 95CI: 0.03, 0.55), food insecure/good FRM (0.39, 95CI: 0.09, 0.70) and food insecure/poor FRM groups (0.33, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.64). These differences observed in feeding practices became insignificant in all but one food insecure subgroup once perceived stress was added to the model. Conclusions Suboptimal child feeding is evident in low-income caregivers with poor FRM skills with or without food insecurity. Promoting FRM skills in addition to addressing FI and stress could potentially synergistically improve child feeding practices in low-income households. Funding Sources This study was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the PA Department of Human Services (DHS). This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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Child feeding practices and household food insecurity among low-income mothers in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Ciência & Saúde Coletiva ◽

10.1590/s1413-81232012000300012 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 661-669 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Ana Cristina Lindsay ◽

Mabel Ferarro ◽

Alejandra Franchello ◽

Raul de La Barrera ◽

Marcia Maria Tavares Machado ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Insecurity ◽

Low Income ◽

Family Relationships ◽

Maternal Employment ◽

Weight Status ◽

Buenos Aires ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

Child Feeding ◽

Child Feeding Practices ◽

Low Income Mothers

This qualitative study of low-income mothers in Buenos Aires, Argentina, examines the influence of socio-economic conditions, organizational structures, family relationships, and food insecurity on child feeding practices and weight status. Thirty-eight mothers of preschool children living in urban Buenos Aires participated in four focus group discussions. The results indicated that many mothers were aware that obesity may be detrimental to the child's health, but most of them are unclear about the specific consequences. Maternal employment, family pressures, food insecurity and financial worries seem to influence child feeding practices. These findings have important implications for developing strategies for nutritional assistance that could benefit the health of children and provide opportunities for educational programs that are directed to nutritional awareness in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The right to eat regularly and properly is an obligation of the State and must be implemented taking into account the notion of food sovereignty and respecting the importance of preserving the culture and eating habits of a country and its diverse population groups

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Impact of COVID-19 on household food insecurity and interlinkages with child feeding practices and coping strategies in Uttar Pradesh, India: a longitudinal community-based study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-048738 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. e048738

Author(s):

Phuong Hong Nguyen ◽

Shivani Kachwaha ◽

Anjali Pant ◽

Lan M Tran ◽

Sebanti Ghosh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Insecurity ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Uttar Pradesh ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

Community Based ◽

Child Feeding ◽

Household Food ◽

Child Feeding Practices ◽

Food Insecure Households ◽

And Coping

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic has profound negative impacts on people’s lives, but little is known on its effect on household food insecurity (HFI) in poor setting resources. This study assessed changes in HFI during the pandemic and examined the interlinkages between HFI with child feeding practices and coping strategies.DesignA longitudinal survey in December 2019 (in-person) and August 2020 (by phone).SettingCommunity-based individuals from 26 blocks in 2 districts in Uttar Pradesh, India.ParticipantsMothers with children <2 years (n=569).Main outcomes and analysesWe measured HFI by using the HFI Access Scale and examined the changes in HFI during the pandemic using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests. We then assessed child feeding practices and coping strategies by HFI status using multivariable regression models.ResultsHFI increased sharply from 21% in December 2019 to 80% in August 2020, with 62% households changing the status from food secure to insecure over this period. Children in newly or consistently food-insecure households were less likely to consume a diverse diet (adjusted OR, AOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.95 and AOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.12, respectively) compared with those in food-secure households. Households with consistent food insecurity were more likely to engage in coping strategies such as reducing other essential non-food expenditures (AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.09 to 4.24), borrowing money to buy food (AOR 4.3, 95% CI 2.31 to 7.95) or selling jewellery (AOR 5.0, 95% CI 1.74 to 14.27) to obtain foods. Similar findings were observed for newly food-insecure households.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic and its lockdown measures posed a significant risk to HFI which in turn had implications for child feeding practices and coping strategies. Our findings highlight the need for further investment in targeted social protection strategies and safety nets as part of multisectoral solutions to improve HFI during and after COVID-19.

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The Impact of Nutrition Education on Child Feeding Practices among Low-income Urban Indian Mothers

Food and Nutrition Bulletin ◽

10.1177/156482658901100117 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mamta Agarwal ◽

Shobha A. Udipi

Keyword(s):

Nutrition Education ◽

Low Income ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

Child Feeding ◽

Child Feeding Practices ◽

Urban Indian ◽

Indian Mothers ◽

The Impact

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Relationship of child-feeding practices to overweight in low-income Mexican-American preschool-aged children

Journal of the American Dietetic Association ◽

10.1016/j.jada.2004.04.030 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 104 (7) ◽

pp. 1110-1119 ◽

Cited By ~ 83

Author(s):

Hugo R. Melgar-Quiñonez ◽

Lucia L. Kaiser

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Mexican American ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

Child Feeding ◽

Child Feeding Practices ◽

Relationship Of ◽

Preschool Aged Children

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Caregiver’s Self-Confidence in Food Resource Management Is Associated with Lower Risk of Household Food Insecurity among SNAP-Ed-Eligible Head Start Families

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12082304 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (8) ◽

pp. 2304

Author(s):

Lamis Jomaa ◽

Muzi Na ◽

Sally G. Eagleton ◽

Marwa Diab-El-Harake ◽

Jennifer S. Savage

Keyword(s):

Resource Management ◽

Head Start ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Nutrition Education ◽

Food Resource ◽

Household Food Insecurity ◽

Education Programs ◽

Self Confidence ◽

Household Food ◽

Financial Practices

Food resource management (FRM) behaviors are key components within nutrition education programs designed to help food insecure households maximize their food dollars. However, little is known about the association between FRM self-confidence and financial practices with household food insecurity (HFI) among families with young children. Using a sample of SNAP-Ed-eligible Head Start families, this study examined associations between FRM self-confidence, FRM behaviors and financial practices by HFI. A needs assessment survey was conducted with caregivers of Head Start children (n = 365). HFI was measured using the US Household Food Security Survey Module. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine if FRM self-confidence, FRM behaviors, and financial practices differed by HFI. Participants with high FRM self-confidence had lower odds of HFI (OR = 0.54, 95%CI: 0.33, 0.87), yet FRM behaviors, financial practices, and HFI were not related after adjusting for covariates. All FRM self-confidence questions significantly differed by HFI, whereas only one of six FRM behaviors and two of three financial practices differed by HFI (all p-values < 0.05). Promoting caregivers’ self-confidence in FRM skills within nutrition education programs may be explored as a potential strategy to assist low-income households to stretch their food dollars in an attempt to address HFI.

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Low-income mothers' feeding goals predict observed home mealtime and child feeding practices

Child Care Health and Development ◽

10.1111/cch.12396 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 42 (6) ◽

pp. 934-940 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

M. H. Pesch ◽

A. L. Miller ◽

D. P. Appugliese ◽

N. Kaciroti ◽

K. L. Rosenblum ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

Child Feeding ◽

Child Feeding Practices ◽

Low Income Mothers

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Self-Confidence in Food Resource Management Is Associated with Lower Risk of Household Food Insecurity Among SNAP-Ed Eligible Head Start Families

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa043_064 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 213-213

Author(s):

Lamis Jomaa ◽

Muzi Na ◽

Sally Eagleton ◽

Marwa Diab El Harake ◽

Jennifer Savage

Keyword(s):

Resource Management ◽

Head Start ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Food Resource ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Household Food Insecurity ◽

Healthy Foods ◽

Self Confidence ◽

Household Food ◽

Food Insecure Households

Abstract Objectives To examine the associations between food resource management (FRM) self-confidence and behaviors that help maximize the use of food dollars by household food insecurity (HFI) status. Methods Cross-sectional survey on SNAP-Ed eligible Head Start families in Pennsylvania, US (n = 366). HFI status was assessed using the 18-item USDA Household Food Security Module. FRM self-confidence was measured using 5-questions (e.g., “How confident are you that you can buy healthy foods for your family on a budget?”) and FRM behaviors were assessed using 6-questions (e.g., “How often do you plan meals before shopping for groceries?”). The associations between FRM self-confidence and behavior by HFI status were explored using chi-square and simple logistic regression analyses. Results The average FRM self-confidence score of respondents was 3.02(SD: 0.71) and FRM behavior score was 3.7(SD: 0.8). Participants with high FRM self-confidence had lower odds of HFI (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.56, P < 0.001), yet the association between FRM behaviors with HFI status was not found to be statistically significant (P = 0.91). When individual FRM questions were explored, results showed that all FRM self-confidence questions significantly differed by HFI status (highest p-value < 0.046); e.g., a higher proportion of food secure households were moderately confident or very confident to buy healthy foods on a budget compared to food insecure households (75% vs 58%, P < 0.001). For individual FRM behaviors, one of the 6 behaviors differed by HFI status; food insecure households were more likely to report never or rarely using a shopping list when grocery shopping vs their food secure counterparts (12% vs 9%, P = 0.016). Conclusions Higher confidence in FRM skills may protect against food insecurity among SNAP-Ed eligible households. Nutrition education programs designed to assist low-income households in stretching their food dollars need to target self-confidence in FRM skills, and address what factors may affect their FRM behaviors, in an attempt to alleviate food insecurity. Funding Sources This material was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the PA Department of Human Services (DHS). This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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