Food Insecurity Affects 13.5% of Children in U.S. Benefit Households

Research published on November 7 in the journal Pediatrics reveals that approximately 13.5% of children in the United States living in households receiving supplemental nutrition benefits experience food insecurity. The study, led by Marianna B. Castellanos, M.D., from Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, utilized data from the 2022 to 2023 National Survey of Children’s Health to identify risk factors associated with unresolved food insecurity among families enrolled in programs such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The analysis included a substantial cohort of 16,375,272 children from households participating in WIC or SNAP. Among these children, 2,207,545 reported experiencing food insecurity. The findings indicate that older children are more vulnerable, with adjusted odds ratios of 1.35 for those aged 6 to 11 years and 1.46 for those aged 12 to 17 years. Additionally, children with special health care needs showed an increased risk of food insecurity, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.40.

The study also highlighted the correlation between household income and food insecurity. Families classified within lower federal poverty ratio levels exhibited significantly higher odds of experiencing food insecurity, with adjusted odds ratios of 4.25, 4.01, and 2.27 for families earning between 0% to 99%, 100% to 199%, and 200% to 399% of the federal poverty level, respectively.

Interestingly, the research found that Asian children faced lower odds of food insecurity compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.35. Furthermore, children who were publicly insured or uninsured were at a greater risk of food insecurity than those with private insurance, with adjusted odds ratios of 1.58 and 2.34, respectively.

The authors of the study emphasize the need to assess the effectiveness of current nutritional programs. “These results raise concerns about whether current nutritional benefits adequately meet families’ needs and underscore the importance of tailoring food assistance and related supports,” they stated.

The implications of these findings are significant, as they shed light on the persistent issue of food insecurity among vulnerable populations in the United States. Addressing these challenges is critical for ensuring that all children have access to nutritious food, which is essential for their health and development.

For more detailed insights, refer to the study conducted by Marianna B. Castellanos et al., titled “Risk Factors for Unresolved Food Insecurity Among Households Receiving SNAP or WIC,” published in Pediatrics (2025).