Reducing Food insecurity among children in Illinois
Location
Poster #8
Start Date
2-5-2025 12:00 PM
Department
Other
Abstract
Background: Food insecurity, characterized by limited access to nutritious food, profoundly affects child health. This study investigates the nutritional and health concerns of children in food-insecure households enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) programs, focusing on health outcomes, parental emotional impact, and program effectiveness. Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional survey was conducted with 20 households from a low-income Chicago clinic. Quantitative data on income, food security, and child health were collected via Google Forms, including closed-ended and Likert-scale questions. Qualitative data, exploring personal experiences and program effectiveness, were collected through open-ended questions and analyzed thematically. Statistical software analyzed quantitative data, and results were triangulated with a literature review. Results: Significant food insecurity was observed; 18 households feared food scarcity, and 13 reported consuming expired food due to financial constraints. Larger households and those with incomes below $30,000 experienced heightened food insecurity. Households with teenagers and young children were particularly vulnerable. Female children in low-income households showed higher iron deficiency risk. Despite WIC and SNAP enrollment, families struggled to access nutritious food. Parents reported anxiety, guilt, and stress related to providing adequate nutrition. Discussion: This study confirms WIC and SNAP's role in mitigating food insecurity but highlights gaps in nutritional quality and emotional support. Findings underscore expired food consumption as a significant concern. The results align with existing literature on food insecurity's prevalence and detrimental effects. However, this study uniquely focuses on immediate health issues and parental emotional burdens. Limitations: The small sample size (n=20) limits generalizability. The focus on WIC and SNAP participants, absence of long-term analysis, and potential recall bias are limitations. Recommendations: Recommendations include increasing SNAP and WIC benefits, improving access to healthy food, enhancing nutrition education, supporting local food systems, expanding school-based programs, integrating food assistance with housing, and advocating policy changes. Future research should examine long-term impacts and explore innovative solutions. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the persistent challenge of food insecurity among low-income families and the need for comprehensive reforms to improve food quality, increase benefits, and integrate food assistance with broader support systems. Addressing both nutritional and emotional needs is crucial for ensuring children's health and well-being.
Faculty Sponsor
Chika Ejike
Reducing Food insecurity among children in Illinois
Poster #8
Background: Food insecurity, characterized by limited access to nutritious food, profoundly affects child health. This study investigates the nutritional and health concerns of children in food-insecure households enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) programs, focusing on health outcomes, parental emotional impact, and program effectiveness. Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional survey was conducted with 20 households from a low-income Chicago clinic. Quantitative data on income, food security, and child health were collected via Google Forms, including closed-ended and Likert-scale questions. Qualitative data, exploring personal experiences and program effectiveness, were collected through open-ended questions and analyzed thematically. Statistical software analyzed quantitative data, and results were triangulated with a literature review. Results: Significant food insecurity was observed; 18 households feared food scarcity, and 13 reported consuming expired food due to financial constraints. Larger households and those with incomes below $30,000 experienced heightened food insecurity. Households with teenagers and young children were particularly vulnerable. Female children in low-income households showed higher iron deficiency risk. Despite WIC and SNAP enrollment, families struggled to access nutritious food. Parents reported anxiety, guilt, and stress related to providing adequate nutrition. Discussion: This study confirms WIC and SNAP's role in mitigating food insecurity but highlights gaps in nutritional quality and emotional support. Findings underscore expired food consumption as a significant concern. The results align with existing literature on food insecurity's prevalence and detrimental effects. However, this study uniquely focuses on immediate health issues and parental emotional burdens. Limitations: The small sample size (n=20) limits generalizability. The focus on WIC and SNAP participants, absence of long-term analysis, and potential recall bias are limitations. Recommendations: Recommendations include increasing SNAP and WIC benefits, improving access to healthy food, enhancing nutrition education, supporting local food systems, expanding school-based programs, integrating food assistance with housing, and advocating policy changes. Future research should examine long-term impacts and explore innovative solutions. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the persistent challenge of food insecurity among low-income families and the need for comprehensive reforms to improve food quality, increase benefits, and integrate food assistance with broader support systems. Addressing both nutritional and emotional needs is crucial for ensuring children's health and well-being.