Key area: Nutrition

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Nutrition & Hunger - Impact on growth and development

There are many factors influencing the nutrition and health of children. The problem detected in this community is mainly the fact that the income does not meet expenses. Also single parents' work schedules do not allow them to pack food or buy food and therefore children are sometimes deficient in their overall nutritional needs. Over time, income and education affect health. The primary problem of food security in the Brazos Valley was caused by unemployment and limited finances, which led to hunger and poor nutrition. There are students who work and study as well and they are prone to food insecurity due to the above-mentioned contributing factors.

With respect to nutrition and hunger, one possible mechanism is that food insecurity results in compromised dietary quality or quantity (Bhattacharya et al 2004). Studies have shown that adults in food-insecure households had lower consumption of fruits and vegetables and had less food on hand (Kendall A et al 1996). They obtained a higher percentage of energy from carbohydrates and had lower intakes of dietary fiber and other vital nutrients compared with food-secure households (Connell C. L et al 2000). Also households with single parents seem to be most vulnerable to food insecurity. Another possible mechanism is that food insecurity acts as a psychological or emotional stressor, affecting parent and child behavior (Joyti D.F et al 2005).

To sum up the effect of food insecurity, studies have show that it has an impact on the growth, development, and overall mental status of adults and children. Many factors can contribute to food insecurity leading to poor nutrition that alters the quality of live over time.

EXPERT INTERVIEW

For a better insight about the food insecurity situation we interviewed Sundy Fryrear. She is the Director of School Nutrition Services for Bryan ISD, a position she has held since 1994. She is responsible for ordering food for all of the schools in the district, including Rudder High School. Sundy believes The National School Lunch Program is economically sustainable, despite nearly 70% of Rudder High School students being on free or reduced lunch. Additionally, she believes it provides nutritionally sound meals. When asked about the causes of food insecurity in the community, she mentioned education as a key factor. Years of education are lower for families in this community which leads to lower income per capita on average. Second, a lack of awareness about nutrition leads to unhealthy behaviors in food consumption. Lastly, she mentioned that limited access to transportation makes family trips to the grocery store challenging.

It is evident from the data that there are financial setbacks of the families of this community which may lead to altered food habits which affect health and mental status over time.