Food insufficiency is not related to the overall variety of foods consumed by young children in low-income families

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between food sufficiency status and redundancy of food choices, or dietary variety, among children in low-income families using the Variety Score from the Healthy Eating Index. Two samples of children ages 2 to 3 (n=1,242) and 4 to 8 years (n=1,506) were selected from the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals 1994–1996, 1998 and then classified as either food sufficient, food sufficient with limitations, or food insufficient. Mean variety scores were low for all children, but did not differ by food sufficiency status for either age group. However, they did differ by Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children participation and region of the country for the younger and older children, respectively. Results suggest the importance of nutrition education and food assistance programs that enhance dietary variety. Further research should explore how food assistance program participation is related to dietary variety and the degree to which variety within food groups is related to food security.