Embedded Files
Introduction:
Food insecurity is a critical issue impacting children's health, particularly in low-income communities. The pandemic in 2020 worsened this problem, forcing families to opt for cheaper, less nutritious foods, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Such deficiencies can negatively affect children's physical, emotional, and mental development, potentially resulting in lifelong challenges. Also, children in food-insecure households often encounter other difficulties like parental mental health issues, limited healthcare access, and unsafe living conditions, creating a cycle of disadvantage. This proposal will explore the link between food insecurity, nutritional deficiencies, and their long-term effects on children's development in low-income areas.
Mini Literature Review:
Food insecurity significantly impacts children's development, leading to behavioral, emotional, and academic challenges.
Issues include delays in mental development, poor academic performance, and emotional problems like depression and anxiety.
- Nutritional deficiencies, such as iron deficiency anemia, hinder brain development and emotional stability.Children in low-income communities are particularly vulnerable to the effects of food insecurity due to:
- Limited access to healthcare and education.
- Insufficient access to nutritious food.Economic factors like low wages, unemployment, and food deserts create barriers to accessing healthy food, which exacerbates food insecurity and contributes to long-term developmental and mental health issues.
Theoretical Framework
Theoretical Framework
For my research, I am using a merged theoretical framework that integrates the Four Pillars of Food Security and the Sustainable Food Systems Approach. This framework illustrates the interconnectedness of food availability, access, utilization, and stability while factoring in social, economic, and environmental influences. It emphasizes the need for sustainability and policy actions to help food insecurity in vulnerable populations.
Research Question:
Research Question:
My Research Question Is: How does food insecurity affect nutritional deficiencies and developmental delays of children in low-income communities?
Food insecurity critically impacts children’s development, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. A lack of nutritious food leads to health problems and delays in physical and cognitive growth, affecting academic performance and emotional well-being. Although some policies have been implemented, significant gaps remain, particularly for children of color. By creating effective programs and ensuring fair access to nutrition, we can support healthier development for all children and promote a more equitable society.
References
(Michael P, B., Lauren H, M., Ebru, Ç., Grafton Heather L, H., Randa L, M., & ABSTRACTBackground: Household food insecurity and mental disorders are both prevalent conditions among children and adolescents (i.e. (2016, August 31). Severity of household food insecurity is positively associated with mental disorders among children and adolescents in the United States. The Journal of Nutrition. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316623007381?via%3Dihub
Shankar, Priya MPH*; Chung, Rainjade BA†; Frank, Deborah A. MD†. Association of Food Insecurity with Children's Behavioral, Emotional, and Academic Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics 38(2):p 135-150, February/March 2017. | DOI: 10.1097/DBP.0000000000000383
Skalicky, A., Meyers, A. F., Adams, W. G., Yang, Z., Cook, J. T., & Frank, D. A. (2005, November 19). Child food insecurity and iron deficiency anemia in low-income infants and toddlers in the United States - maternal and Child Health Journal. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10995-005-0036-0
Weingärtner , L. (2000, April). Food and Nutrition Security Assessment Instruments and Intervention Strategies . www.oda-alc.org. http://www.oda-alc.org/documentos/1341934899.pd
Dwyer, J. T., & Drewnowski, A. (1970, January 1). Overview: Food and nutrition security. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-55942-1_1?utm_
Mock, N. (2022, January 21). Food security indicators and framework for use in the monitoring and evaluation of food aid programs. Academia.edu. https://www.academia.edu/69053081/Food_security_indicators_and_framework_for_use_in_the_monitoring_and_evaluation_of_food_aid_programs
By, & Sorenson, P. (2018, October 15). Making change: The state budget as a tool for racial and ethnic equity. MLPP. https://mlpp.org/making-change-the-state-budget-as-a-tool-for-racial-and-ethnic-equity/
Page updated
Report abuse