Food Insecurity and Early Child Development Outcomes

• In Event: Poverty, Early Social Supports, and Child Outcomes

Abstract

A report by Cook and Jeng (2009) reviewed data on how food insecurity in households limits the economic vitality of our nation. It is important to provide policy makers with empirically based research on how food insecurity compromises the development of children. This study examines the effects of food insecurity during children’s first two years on their cognitive development at age four. This study uses a propensity score analysis to isolate the unique impact associated with food insecurity. Preliminary results found that, except for parent report of reading skill, food insecurity was significantly negatively related to child's cognitive performance. The full paper will explore the possibility of moderating effects of child background characteristics on this relationship.

Authors

• Julia B. Smith, Oakland University

• Sherri L. Oden, Oakland University

• Ashley Blake, Oakland University