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J. Nutr. (June 17, 2009). doi:10.3945/jn.109.105593
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© 2009 American Society for Nutrition

Nutrition and Disease

Transient, but Not Persistent, Adult Food Insecurity Influences Toddler Development1,2,3

Daphne C. Hernandez4 and Alison Jacknowitz5,*

4 The Pennsylvania State University, Human Development Family Studies, University Park, PA 16802 5 American University, Department of Public Administration and Policy, School of Public Affairs, Washington, DC 20016

In this study, we examined characteristics associated with experiencing persistent and transitional adult food insecurity and how persistent and transitional adult food insecurity influences toddler cognitive and motor development, along with toddler's weight and health status. Using the first 2 waves of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort, 4 mutually exclusive variables capturing persistent and transitional adult food insecurity were created to capture those adults that experience adult food insecurity in the following: both waves, in 1 wave (at 9 or 24 mo after birth), and never experience food insecurity. We used logistic regression models to estimate characteristics associated with the likelihood of experiencing persistent and transitional adult food insecurity. Ordinary least squares regression models were used to estimate how persistent and transitional adult food insecurity influences toddler development. Similar factors influenced one's likelihood of experiencing adult transitional and persistent food insecurity; individuals who experienced any food insecurity were more economically disadvantaged. Thus, outreach efforts do not need to vary by duration of food insecurity. Whereas negative effects of food insecurity on school-aged children are found in the literature, it appears toddlers are buffered from the effects of persistent adult food insecurity. Our findings suggest that toddlers residing with a temporarily food-insecure adult compared with a never food-insecure adult experienced immediate, but small, negative effects on their development. Hence, outreach and assistance may lessen immediate impacts of food insecurity on toddler development.

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: jacknowi{at}american.edu.

Manuscript received 10 February 2009. Initial review completed 18 March 2009. Revision accepted 22 May 2009.