A Call for Theory to Guide Equity-Focused Federal Child Nutrition Program Policy Responses and Recovery Efforts in Times of Public Health Crisis.

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its related mitigation efforts have had a dramatic influence on food and nutrition security in the United States. During this period, families with children were particularly vulnerable, demonstrating incredible nutrition need. Before the pandemic, rates of food insecurity among households with children had been generally declining. Specifically, the prevalence of food insecurity among households with children younger than age 18 years was 13.6% in 2019 compared with 20.6% in 2011.