Food insecurity is defined as inadequate or insecure access to food because of financial constraints.[1] Children living in food insecure homes tend to consume less fruits and vegetables, milk products, and other important sources of vitamins and minerals.[2],[3] This is because families with lower incomes may buy less expensive foods that often have less nutrients. Food insecure children and youth are more likely to have poorer health outcomes including obesity, mental health concerns, and chronic disease.[4],[5]
Youth, aged 14 to 18, who are food insecure |
About the MeasureThis measure is collected from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). The CCHS measures two levels of food insecurity. 'Moderate' food insecurity means that the quality and/or quantity of food consumed is limited. 'Severe' food insecurity means that there is reduced food intake and disrupted eating patterns. Key FindingsThe majority of youth in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph are food secure. However, in 2014, the percentage of youth who were moderately and severely food insecure was 8.7% and 2.2%, respectively.
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Source: Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) 2009-2014, extracted August, 2016. Prepared by Health Analytics Team, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.
LimitationsData from the CCHS is subject to sample variation. Data is also subject to response bias and recall bias. This measure does not provide a picture of food security for children aged 0 to 13. This could be explored further by examining the CCHS data at the household level.
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[1] Tarasuk, V., Mitchell, A., & Dachner, N. (2016). Household food insecurity in Canada, 2014. Toronto: Research to identify policy options to reduce food insecurity (PROOF). Accessed March 6, 2017. Available at: http://proof.utoronto.ca/
[2] Statistics Canada. (2015). Health at a glance. Available at: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-624-x/2015001/article/14138-eng.htm
[3] Kirkpatrick, S. I., McIntyre, L., & Potestio, M. L. (2010). Child hunger and long-term adverse consequences for health. Archives of pediatrics & adolescent medicine, 164(8), 754-762.
[4] Melchior, M., Chastang, J. F., Falissard, B., Galéra, C., Tremblay, R. E., Côté, S. M., & Boivin, M. (2012). Food insecurity and children's mental health: a prospective birth cohort study. PloS one, 7(12), e52615.
[5] Kirk, S. F., Kuhle, S., McIsaac, J. L. D., Williams, P. L., Rossiter, M., Ohinmaa, A., & Veugelers, P. J. (2015). Food security status among grade 5 students in Nova Scotia, Canada and its association with health outcomes. Public health nutrition, 18(16), 2943.