Research suggests a critical need to address the issues of nutrition, exercise, and obesity among young children. Through a better understanding of the existing resources and service gaps, better early childhood policies can improve access to healthy, affordable food, and encourage more physical activity for young children. See below for specific research findings of note:
- More than 9.6 million U.S. children (ages 0-6) live in “food insecure” households, in which consistently getting enough food to eat is a struggle. Children in households identified as “food insecure” have higher rates of hospitalization, iron-deficiency anemia, and other chronic health conditions. Food insecurity is also associated with higher rates of behavioral problems and increased anxiety and depression. In terms of school outcomes, food-insecure children experience smaller gains in math and reading achievement and have a higher likelihood of repeating a grade.[2]
- Children in households below the poverty line are six times more likely to have low food security, compared to their counterparts in households with incomes at 185 percent of the poverty line or higher. And, they are fourteen times more likely to experience very low food security.[2]
- Children who are Hispanic, black, or living with a single parent are much more likely to be food insecure than are children who are white or living in married-couple families.[1]
- Children who are food insecure are more likely to be obese than other children. This is partly because foods that are high in calories and low in nutrients (e.g., bread, pasta) tend to cost less than healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables.[1],[2]
- Iron deficiency is found in 9% of toddlers and is linked to decreased cognitive functioning, immune function, and energy metabolism. Iron deficiency is seen twice as often in black children as in other children, and is also much more prevalent among poor children than among non-poor children. [2]
- Consumption of sweetened beverages (e.g., soda, juice) with little or no nutritional content accounts for about 35% of calories consumed outside the home.[1]
- Many recipients of government nutritional assistance continue to experience food insecurity. Fifty-five percent of recipients of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps), 52% of free or reduced lunch recipients, and 49% of WIC (Women Infants and Children) recipients are still food insecure at times.[2]
References
- Currie, J. (2005). Health Disparities and Gaps in School Readiness. The Future of Children, 15(1), 117-138.
- Murphey, D., Mackintosh, B., & McCoy-Roth, M. (2011). Early Childhood Policy Focus: Healthy Eating and Physical Activity. Early Childhood Highlights, 2(3), 1-9.