School‐based nutrition programs are associated with reduced child food insecurity in a longitudinal study among Mexican‐origin mother child dyads in Texas border colonias

Abstract

In 2011, nearly 3.9 million U.S. households with children experienced child food insecurity (CFI) as reported by parents. Yet, proxy reports may underestimate the true CFI prevalence. The study objectives were 1) understand mothers’ and children's (6–11 y) perspectives and experiences of CFI and its seasonal volatility, including the role of school‐based nutrition programs (SNP) and 2) assess CFI discordance among forty eight Mexican‐origin dyads in Texas border colonias. Promotora‐researchers administered standardized Spanish‐language food security instruments to dyads at two points in time during July 2010‐March 2011. Multilevel longitudinal logistic regression measured volatility in CFI while Cohen's kappa (κ) assessed discordance. SNP reduced odds of CFI by 74% (Odds ratio (OR) = 0.26, P < 0.01). Single head of household and Mexican ethnicity were associated with increased odds of CFI (OR = 4.63, P = 0.03) and (OR = 4.47, P < 0.01), respectively. Fair dyadic agreement was observed (κ = 0.21, P = 0.02). CFI lessened from summer to school year while SNP played a significant role. Mothers’ and children's perspectives and experiences of CFI ought to be measured at multiple occasions to obtain an accurate prevalence of the preventable condition.Grant Funding Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Healthy Eating Research