From Parents to Children: The Role of Moderating Childhood Factors in the Intergenerational Transmission of Food Insecurity

Abstract

Food insecurity exists when there is a lack of access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life. Researchers have found different associations of food insecurity such as poorer school performance, internalizing and externalizing problem among children, poorer physical and mental health among adults, and difficulties making ends meet, leading to trade-offs in other areas. This study looks at the intergenerational transmission of food insecurity and the conditions under which it takes place. It was found that the use of food stamps in childhood is a significant predictor of food insecurity in adulthood. A household head’s education was a protective factor as was his/her general health. Unemployment, presence of children and presence of mental health issues were risk factors. If a child grew up in a household in which the mother completed more years of education, this weakened the intergenerational transmission of food insecurity. Intergenerational transmission of food insecurity was stronger for Hispanic families. It was concluded that intergenerational transmission of poverty exists and although moderation effects are small, this study can provide an informative starting point for future research and policies and interventions aimed at breaking the cycle.