Assess Food Insecurity Research Articles

IMPROVING FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY OF VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES - AN INTEGRATED NUTRITION SENSITIVE APPROACH

Background: Food and Nutrition Security is a multilevel and complex construct, needing a holistic developmental approach, including multiple stakeholders. These projects were implemented by local partners, Lasoona and Doaba Foundation addressing food availability, access, use, utilization, and sustainability through a multi-sectoral approach. The aim of the evaluation was to provide a comprehensive assessment of Food and Nutrition Security projects (1086 and 1087) based on OECD DAC evaluation criteria. Methods: Mixed method approach, quasi-experimental design was used, including desk review, key informant interviews, focus group discussions with target communities, structured interviews of beneficiaries using Household Food Insecurity Assessment Scale (HIFAS) and Months of Adequate Household Food Provisioning (MAHFP) scale. Results: According to the HIFAS results, Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) including Kohistan & Sawat were vulnerable with 34% and 15.78 % households facing food insecurity respectively. While in Muzaffargarh, a district of Punjab, 47% households were facing food insecurity. HDDS and IDDS improved considerably in all districts of KP and Punjab. Conclusion: The evaluated projects were social change projects sowing the seeds of a major social paradigm shift - changing the status of women at household and community level. Awareness of malnutrition and balanced diet through community volunteers, peer educators, social mobilizers and outreach workers played a pivotal role. Access and availability of diversified and nutritious food via kitchen gardens and plantation of trees with the use of organic fertilizers was encouraged.

Assessing Food Insecurity in Individuals with Serious Mental Illness: A Pilot Training for Community Mental Health Providers

Food insecurity (FI), or limited or uncertain access to food, is a significant public health issue, especially for individuals with serious mental illness. As such, mental health providers should regularly assess FI and link individuals to resources. The purpose of this project was to create and pilot test a provider training on FI assessment at a community mental health center. Fifteen providers participated in the training and completed surveys at post-training and one-month follow-up. Results suggested success in delivering an acceptable training that conveyed the importance of FI and inspired confidence in assessment. Yet, it was not sufficient to modify providers' FI assessment behavior. A brief training can effectively teach providers about FI and promote confidence in assessment; however, it is not adequate to change behavior. Future work should examine the provider training in a larger sample and wider variety of CMHC providers and explore ways to integrate FI assessment into existing practices to address implementation barriers.

Application of the mixture item response theory model to the Self-Administered Food Security Survey Module for Children.

BackgroundThe Self-Administered Food Security Survey Module for Children was developed to assess food insecurity of individual children and has not been used in Portugal. We aimed to apply the mixture item response theory model to the Self-Administered Food Security Survey Module for Children, to assess its reliability and validity, and to estimate the cut-offs of the food security status for Portuguese children.MethodsThe scale was self-administered to 2132 children of the Generation XXI birth cohort. The internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. We evaluated dimensionality and/or clustering, and Latent Class Analysis, Latent Trait Analysis and Mixture Latent Trait Analysis were tested. The number of classes and/or traits were defined according to the Akaike Information Criterion, Bayesian Information Criterion, Adjusted Bayesian Information Criterion, Vuong-Lo-Mendell-Rubin Likelihood Ratio Test, Bootstrapped Likelihood Ratio Test and Entropy. Construct validity was explored using socio-demographic characteristics. The classification tree was used to define cut-offs to predict cluster membership.ResultsThe best model was a Mixture Latent Trait Analysis with 1 factor and 2 classes (food security and food insecurity), assuming class variant item parameters (for items 1 and 3). Based on the estimated posterior probabilities, the food insecurity prevalence was 17.6%. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.617. A higher proportion of less-educated mothers and low-income households was observed in the food insecurity class. The classification tree showed an accuracy of 100.0% by identifying the food security and food insecurity groups.ConclusionOur results supported that the Self-Administered Food Security Survey Module for Children provides a valid and reliable measure, which allows the identification of food insecurity among Portuguese children.

Household level food insecurity assessment: Evidence from panel data, Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the fastest growing economies and with the top 10 highest population growth, which is among the major resources that determine the dynamics of the welfare of the society. This study assesses the prevalence of food insecurity and the major household level determinants of food insecurity at the national level and ranks the coping strategies households use. Longitudinal data of over 5000 households is analyzed using logit model. Anthropometric indicators generally show an improvement over time, though malnutrition is still one of the highest in the world. Child nutritional status in rural areas is worse compared to urban areas. Also, it appears that a higher percentage of boys suffer from malnutrition than girls. The result of logistic regression revealed that average years of schooling of members of the household, proximity to service centers, assets and availability of credit services positively affect household food security, whereas dependency ratio and shocks increase the odds of a household to be food insecured. Households choose to reduce the variety of food eaten as a primary strategy to reduce the impacts of food insecurity. Continuous investment in education and rural development could help improve the household food insecurity.

Food availability and food insecurity in households in the state of Tocantins, Northern Brazil

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the relationship between food availability, food insecurity and socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of households in the urban area of the state of Tocantins. Methods Population-based, cross-sectional study conducted in 594 households in the urban area of 22 municipalities in the state of Tocantins. A survey was carried out in the households, to collect socioeconomic and data, and assess food insecurity using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. Further a food availability questionnaire was applied by the interviewer with the head of the family, who reported on the food and drinks available at home in the last 30 days. The description of the food available in the households resulted in a total of 142 food items that were grouped according to the NOVA classification of foods. demographic Results It was found that 63.3% of households were in a situation of food insecurity. The median caloric availability found was 2,771.4kcal/per capita/day, with the largest caloric contribution coming from fresh and minimally processed foods, regardless of the degree of food insecurity. Food availability was affected by socioeconomic vulnerability and the situation of food insecurity in the families.

Development and validation of measure of household food insecurity in Northern Rao PDR

AbstractIntroductionLao PDR is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranked the 138th of 188 developing countries. Although household food insecurity has been prevalent in Northern Rao PDR, no valid measurement of household food insecurity exists. Therefore, the study was to develop a household food insecurity questionnaire and verify the validity of the questionnaire in the rural areas of Lao PDR.Materials and MethodsUsing a multistage-sampling cross-sectional study, the sample included 373 households with children under 5 years of age living in Xieng Khouang, Lao PDR. The questionnaire was composed of 18 items based on the US household Food Security Survey Module and partially modified to local circumstances. Internal consistency of questions measured with Cronbach's α was adequate, result of 0.746. External validity was evaluated through comparison analyses between food insecurity levels and household socioeconomic indicators.Results and discussionAmong 373 households, 42.7% were food-insecure and 4.3% were food-insecure with hunger. There were more food-insecure households in those with lower maternal education levels (P < 0.001), greater number of household members (P < 0.001), longer travel time to farmland (P = 0.003), and lower household asset scores (P < 0.001). Households with the residence made of natural material for walls (P < 0.001), roofs (P < 0.001) and floors (P < 0.001) as well as without electricity (P < 0.001), pipe to supply drinking water (P < 0.001), and income other than agriculture (P < 0.001) had higher food insecurity than their counterparts. In addition, inadequate maternal prenatal care and education, child health care, and vaccinations increased household food insecurity. Mothers and children in food-insecure households had lower intakes of various food groups including protein-source foods. This study would provide a valid instrument to assess food insecurity and be used in the future as an evaluation tool for the improvement of nutritional deficiencies as well as a tool for selection of target subjects in Northern Rao PDR.

High Level of Food Insecurity among Families with Children Seeking Routine Care at Federally Qualified Health Centers during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

ObjectiveTo assess food insecurity during pediatric visits to federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) during the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic.Study designInterviews using the validated American Academy of Pediatrics 2-question food insecurity screen were performed with 200 consecutive families presenting for pediatric care to 2 FQHC in Central Texas from April 14 to May 20, 2020, during the initial phase of the pandemic in Texas. Brief qualitative interviews were conducted to determine whether families found a worsening of food insecurity during the pandemic.ResultsOverall, 47% of families had a positive food insecurity screen. More than 90% of these were worrying about food running out and about 60% were positive for the question related to food not lasting. Among families with food insecurity, 94% indicated this had begun or worsened during the pandemic. Of the 115 families volunteering information about employment, 46% reported job loss during this time period. Both ethnicity (P < .001) and Special Supplementation Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) participation (P = .03) were associated with greater levels of food insecurity. Among primarily Spanish-speaking families participating in the WIC program, 64% reported food insecurity.ConclusionsApproximately one-half of families receiving routine pediatric care at a FQHC during the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic reported food insecurity and this was associated with loss of jobs during the pandemic. Participation in the WIC program was not protective against food insecurity. Increased frequency of food insecurity was detected in Hispanic and Spanish-speaking families. Screening of families at an FQHC should be strongly considered as a part of routine pediatric care. Knowledge of community resources is important for providers to share with patients. (J Pediatr: X 2020;4:100044).Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04378595

Factors associated with food security in households in the urban area of the state of Tocantins, Northern Brazil.

To evaluate the factors associated with food insecurity in families living in the urban area of Tocantins/Brazil. This is a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in the urban area of 22 municipalities in the 8 microregions of the state. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to the head of household to obtain socioeconomic and demographic data, and the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA) was used to assess food insecurity at home. The anthropometric assessment of the residents was made by measuring weight, height/length and waist circumference. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to assess the association of food insecurity with individual/household variables, and Pearson's chi-square test was used to compare whether there was a difference in the prevalence of food insecurity between microregions and between families with and without individuals under 18 years. A total of 596 households were evaluated, of which 63.4% were in a food insecurity situation. The final model of the multivariate analysis showed that low head-of-household schooling, low per capita income, receiving social assistance benefits and lack of clean drinking water in the household were associated with food insecurity (p < 0.05). The findings of this study reveal the high prevalence of food insecurity in the families studied and their associated factors, showing the need for local actions and public policies to improve health conditions, education and income of the population, and consequently, improve the scenario of food and nutritional insecurity in the state.

186: Assessing food insecurity's influence on large for gestational age for women residing in food deserts

186: Assessing food insecurity's influence on large for gestational age for women residing in food deserts

Association between Depressive Symptoms and Food Insecurity among Indonesian Adults: Results from the 2007-2014 Indonesia Family Life Survey.

Background: Depressive symptoms and food insecurity are two of the public health concerns in developing countries. Food insecurity is linked to several chronic diseases, while little is known about the association between food insecurity and depressive symptoms among adults. A person with limited or uncertain availability or access to nutritionally sufficient, socially relevant, and safe foods is defined as a food-insecure person. Materials and methods: Data were obtained from 8613 adults who participated in the Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS) in 2007 and 2014. The 10 items of the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) were used in food consumption score analysis to assess food insecurity based on the concept of the World Food Program (WFP). Depressive symptoms were assessed using 10 items of the self-reported Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) questionnaire. A linear and multiple logistic regression model with a generalized estimating equation was used to test the hypothesis while accounting for the health behaviors and sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Food consumption score was negatively associated with CES-D 10 score (β-coefficients: −9.71 × 10−3 to −1.06 × 10−2; 95% CIs: −7.46 × 10−3 to −1.26 × 10−2). The borderline and poor food consumption group was positively associated with the depressive symptoms, both in the unadjusted and adjusted models (exponentiated β-coefficients: 1.13 to 1.18; 95% CIs: 1.06 to 1.28). Conclusions: Depressive symptoms were positively significantly associated with food insecurity. Thus, health professionals must be aware of the issue, and should consider health and nutrition programs for adults at risk of food insecurity.

Assessment of Food Insecurity among &lt;i&gt;Almajiri&lt;/i&gt; in Sokoto Metropolis and Selected Environs (Gwadabawa and Kware), Sokoto State, Nigeria

This paper aimed to assess food insecurity among Almajiri in Sokoto metropolis and it’s environs using a structured questionnaire on 120 respondents. The respondents were Muslims, Hausa/ Fulani, males and Nigerians. The occupations of Almajiri fathers were ,farming (66.7%) , business ( 16.7%) , and 16.7% were doing nothing. 33.3% of their fathers were married to two wives, 25.0% married to three wives , 16.7% married to one wife each and , 16.7% married to four wives .33.3% of the Almajiri said their fathers have two children, 25.0% said their fathers have three children, and 8.3% have four kids ,and 8.3% have one child .None of the participants attended western school ,but only 25.0% admitted that they like " Boko " ( western education) ,while 75% said they don't like " Boko ".58.3% goes home only after one year stay at the school ,25.0% return after graduation , 16.7% return home after 3years stay at school. 50.0% said they always come with insufficient food from home, but 41.7% said they come with nothing.7.3% come with insufficient money from home, whereas, 41.7% come with nothing. 41.7% eat food thrice ,25.0% eat twice, and 16.7% eat once .58.3% earn through begging, 25.0% earn through domestic work ,and 16.7% earn through external work .75.0% eat tuwo ,and 16.7% eat Gari ,and others. All the respondents echoed that the system hurt them psychologically. The findings revealed that Almajiri children were unable to come with enough food or money to sustain them throughout their stay at school. Thus, this depicts food insecurity, which in turn can invariably lead to hunger.Parents should give sufficient provisions to their wards whenever sending them to Almajiri schools.The government, wealthy persons and relations should fully put hands on deck to help Almajiri child.Keywords: Food insecurity, Almajiri, child labour, domestic work

Assessing Food Insecurity Rates and Effects on a Sample of Students

Assessing Food Insecurity Rates and Effects on a Sample of Students

Household food insecurity is associated with asthma control in Peruvian children living in a resource-poor setting

Rationale: Prior evidence suggests that there may be an association between asthma and food insecurity. We sought to describe the prevalence of food insecurity access, defined as having sufficient resources for appropriate foods in Lima, Peru, and evaluate its association with asthma status and control.Methods: We analyzed data from 553 children with asthma and 268 healthy controls aged nine to 19 years living in two peri-urban communities in Lima, Peru, in 2013. We used the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale to assess food insecurity. We defined uncontrolled asthma as an asthma control test score ≤19. We used multivariable logistic regressions to determine the relationship between asthma outcomes and food insecurity adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status, body mass index, and setting.Results: Average age was 14.2 years (SD 2.7). There was a high prevalence of household food insecurity in our study: 330 participants (40.2%) were food insecure, and average food insecurity access score was 2.7 points (SD 4.2). While being food insecure was not associated with asthma status (OR = 1.23, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.79; p = 0.28), it was associated with a higher odds of having uncontrolled asthma (OR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.59; p = 0.02). Each one-unit increase in food insecurity score (higher scores indicating more insecurity) was associated with 8% higher odds of having uncontrolled asthma (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.14; p < 0.01).Conclusions: Worse asthma control was associated with food insecurity. Future studies are needed to better understand the role of food security in determining the success of treatment strategies.

Household Food Insecurity and Coping Strategies: A Perspective from Lasta Wereda, North Wollo Zone of Amhara, Ethiopia

The study aims to assess food insecurity, identify the determinants of food insecurity and analyze the coping strategies of the rural households in Lasta wereda, Amhara regional state of Ethiopia. Primary data were collected using questionnaire survey, focus group discussion and key informant interview. Three stage sampling technique was employed to select 299 rural households in the study area. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies mean and standard deviation was used to analyze the data. Econometric analysis of Tobit model was used to identify the determinants of food insecurity, and Foster-Greer-Thorbecke model indices were employed to estimate the incidence, gap and severity of food insecurity. The head count ratio revealed that 51.8 percent of sampled households were found to be food insecure. The gap and severity of food insecurity were estimated to be 14.2 and 6 percent respectively. The results of Tobit regression model showed household size, cultivable land size, livestock ownership, oxen ownership, use of chemical fertilizer and households share of own produced food were found to be significant determinants of food insecurity in the study area. Selling livestock to buy food, reducing the quantity of meals and reducing the frequency of meals were among the common coping strategies adopted at times of decline in food availability. Family planning, off-farm income generating activities, livestock sector productivity and access to chemical fertilizer should be highly strengthened in the study area.

Mental Illness, Not Weight Status, Predicts Increased Odds of Food Insecurity in the Health and Retirement Study (OR02-06-19)

ObjectivesFood insecurity, or limited and/or uncertain access to adequate nutrition, is increasingly recognized as a determinant of clinical and psychosocial outcomes. While there is considerable research demonstrating an association between food insecurity and having obesity in children and young adults, little is known about this association in the elderly. In order to determine the association between weight status and food insecurity in older Americans, we proposed to examine a national cohort of elderly retirees. MethodsWe conducted an analysis of data from participants aged 65+ years from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative cohort study of aging. We linked 2868 participants’ responses to a food insecurity assessment to their demographic characteristics, body mass index, and medical history, among others. Odds ratio estimates of food insecurity were computed. ResultsThe prevalence of food insecurity was higher among participants with overweight or obesity compared to leaner counterparts. However, weight status was not a significant predictor of food insecurity after adjusting for income, demographic covariates, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and functional and cognitive status. Instead, a psychiatric diagnosis (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.08, 4.15), self-report of depression (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.20, 3.73), current smoking status (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.11, 2.69), African American race (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.54, 5.98), and other non-White race (OR 3.84, 95% CI 1.56, 9.45) were all independently associated with increased odds of being food insecure. ConclusionsHaving overweight or obesity was not associated with food insecurity in a cohort of elderly participants. Mental illness, however, either as a self-report of depression or a history of a psychiatric diagnosis, was associated with significantly increased odds of being food insecure, regardless of income. Mental health status, along with racial/ethnic identity and tobacco use should all be key considerations in future intervention studies aimed at addressing food insecurity in older populations. Funding SourcesThis study was supported by the Veterans Health Administration, Office of Research and Development. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs▪▪▪▪▪

Assessment of food insecurity and its determinants in the rural households in Damot Gale Woreda, Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia

BackgroundFood insecurity is directly related to poverty at global, regional, national and local levels. FAO’s most recent estimates indicate that globally, 842 million people were unable to meet their dietary energy requirements in 2011–2013. Thus, around one in eight people in the world is likely to have suffered from chronic hunger, not having enough food for an active and healthy life. Around 827 million hungry people which are vast majority live in developing countries where the prevalence of undernourishment is now estimated at 14.3% in 2011–2013. So, we were interested to assess food insecurity and its determinants in the rural households in Damot Gale Woreda, Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia.MethodologyCross-sectional household survey was used to collect primary data from 155 randomly selected households; focus group discussion and key informant interview were conducted. The data analysis techniques involved both descriptive and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.ResultsThe results of the study revealed that the majority (71.6%) of rural households in the study area were food insecure. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) shows that HH cannot cover the required daily food from the production generated from their agriculture as well as other activities. Households with large family size, households who cannot read and write and old household heads are more likely to be food insecure than their counter parties. Similarly low land size, lack of livestock, not having confidence to overcome food insecurity of HH, borrowing money from informal rural money lenders and not using farm input by the HH are significantly associated with food insecurity. Finally, promoting income-generating activities, enhancing the micro-financing efficiency, initiating family planning, strengthening the inter-resettlement programs, enhancing saving habits, creating employment opportunities at local areas to deter unskilled labor migration on-farm diversification.ConclusionsThe findings of the study revealed that 71.6% of the households are food insecure through the use of HFIAS measurement. These food insecure households could not cover the required daily food from the income generated from their major activity of subsistence agriculture and non-farm activities both in quality and quantity.

Food insecurity among college students in West Texas

PurposeFood insecurity is an evolving nutrition issue affecting both developed and underdeveloped college campuses. The purpose of this paper is to assess food insecurity and related coping strategies among Texas Tech University students.Design/methodology/approachThis was a cross-sectional online survey in Lubbock, Texas, among college students (n=173). The outcome measures, socio-demographic factors, household food insecurity access) and dietary diversity were assessed using validated tools. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Socio-demographic differences in food security status were examined using χ2, and means testing. Risks of student food insecurity were assessed using odds ratios (ORs).FindingsRespondents were mostly female (70 percent), non-Hispanic white (58 percent) and young adults’ (median age: 22.0 (20.0, 27.0)), with a median monthly income of $1,000 (0.0, 1,500) and spent about a fifth of their income on food. More students were food insecure (59.5 percent) compared to those who experienced food security (40.5 percent) (p<0.001). Some of the severe food insecure students (16.7 percent) reported going to bed without food (6.9 percent) in the prior 30 days. Students with monthly food budgets of ⩽ $200 were 3.2 times more likely to be food insecure (OR=3.231: CI: 1.353–7.714; p=0.010) compared to those with higher food budgets. A students’ choice of priority monthly expenses was significantly associated with food security status; however, further risk assessment of dichotomous “prioritized food” and “prioritized other expenses” was not statistically significant.Originality/valueStudent’s food budget of $200 was the strongest determinant of food insecurity. Individual training on money management and meal planning are recommended. University policies should recognize and develop academic support policies addressing competing expenses with food.

University student food insecurity and academic performance

Objective: Characterize the prevalence and dimensions of student food insecurity and the associations with academic performance. Participants: An online survey was distributed (November 2017) to 13,897 undergraduates at a midsized, New Jersey Public University; 2,055 (15%) responded. Methods: Demographic, behavioral, and food security data from University IT services, and the survey were combined in a single dataset. The USDA food security index was adapted to assess food insecurity. Results: Forty-eight percent of students were food insecure. Odds were higher for: women, African Americans, Hispanics, students with partial or no meal plan, commuters, and students receiving financial assistance. Food insecurity increased the odds of being among the lower 10% GPA and reduced the odds of being among the upper 10% GPA. Conclusions: Food insecurity among university students is high and is associated with academic performance. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this relationship is essential to design programs to address this problem.

Elevated highly sensitive C-reactive protein and d-dimer levels are associated with food insecurity among people living with HIV in Pune, India.

To assess the prevalence and determinants of food insecurity among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Pune, India and its association with biomarkers known to confer increased risks of morbidity and mortality in this population. Cross-sectional analysis assessing food insecurity using the standardized Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Participants were dichotomized into two groups: food insecure and food secure. Logistic regression models were used to assess associations between socio-economic, demographic, clinical, biochemical factors and food insecurity. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) centre of Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College and Sassoon General Hospitals (BJGMC-SGH), Pune, a large publicly funded tertiary and teaching hospital in western India.ParticpantsAdult (≥18 years) PLWH attending the ART centre between September 2015 and May 2016 who had received ART for either ≤7d (ART-naïve) or ≥1 year (ART-experienced). Food insecurity was reported by 40 % of 483 participants. Independent risk factors (adjusted OR; 95 % CI) included monthly family income &lt;INR 5000 (~70 USD; 13·2; CI 5·4, 32·2) and consuming ≥4 non-vegetarian meals per week (4·7; 1·9, 11·9). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) ≥0·33 mg/dl (1·6; 1·04, 2·6) and d-dimer levels 0·19-0·31 µg/ml (1·6; 1·01, 2·6) and ≥0·32 µg/ml (1·9; 1·2, 3·2) were also associated with food insecurity. More than a third of the study participants were food insecure. Furthermore, higher hs-CRP and d-dimer levels were associated with food insecurity. Prospective studies are required to understand the relationship between food insecurity, hs-CRP and d-dimer better.

Food and nutritional insecurity in families in the Brazilian rural environment: a systematic review

This review sought to analyze food and nutritional insecurity in the Brazilian rural environment, and the measurement instruments used to assess this situation. A systematic review was conducted in the SciELO, PubMed and CAPES databases, using the search terms: 'food security' and 'rural,' Subsequently, a reverse search was performed in the 12 articles selected. The inclusion criteria were: original articles related to food and nutritional (in)security in the Brazilian rural population. Twelve studies were included. Most of them used the Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar - EBIA (Brazilian Scale for Food Insecurity) and socioeconomic questionnaires to assess food insecurity (FI), an association being found between them. Five studies addressed the nutritional aspect by anthropometry but found no association with FI. Food consumption was assessed by four studies and an association was detected. The results show a high prevalence of FI in rural areas in relation to the population analyzed in the Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílio - PNAD (National Household Sample Survey) in the years 2009 and 2013, as well as a high prevalence of severe FI. The conclusion reached is that the rural environment is vulnerable, mainly regarding food and nutritional issues and the associated socioeconomic determinants.