New Â鶹ֱ²¥ research has revealed child food insecurity in developed countries is not solely driven by poverty but is also strongly influenced by factors such as housing instability, parental mental health and social isolation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The study found that in addition to low income, other major social vulnerability factors – including household composition, housing stability, social engagement, ethnicity and racism, and parental mental health – play a crucial role in determining a child\u2019s risk of experiencing food insecurity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lead author PhD candidate Liyuwork Dana from Curtin\u2019s School of Population Health said while financial hardship remains a primary driver of food insecurity, the study underscores the need to encompass multiple factors in a targeted approach to addressing the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur research found children living in vulnerable households are not only at a higher risk of experiencing food insecurity but also suffer long-term health and developmental consequences as a result,\u201d Mrs Dana said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile food relief programs provide temporary support, they do not address the root causes of food insecurity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe need policies that tackle the structural issues that place families at risk, such as housing stability, employment security, supporting social engagement and access to mental health support. Addressing these could significantly reduce the likelihood and severity of childhood food insecurity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The study reviewed existing research published since 2000 that examined key social factors contributing to child food insecurity. Of nearly 5700 studies that were screened, 49 studies encompassing 183,829 children from 62,625 households mainly from the US and Canada were examined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n