Oral

Given the staggering economic crisis that we are facing this highly significant session will focus on the economics, food security and disparities found in various age groups. The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study—Kindergarten Cohort (ECLS-K) will be described with information on the relationship between food insecurity and obesity among children and adolescents who participated in the program. Results will be presented from a qualitative study including middle aged women with children who have been affected by the current recession. Data will focus on their perceptions on how the recession affected their families’ diet quality and grocery shopping behaviors, and implications for health education and services will be discussed. A Latino, low-income patient population in Chelsea, Massachusetts will be described relative to food insecurity and hunger. Finally, a unique methodology used to screen for food security will be presented as a means of identifying levels of insecurity.

Session Objectives: 1. Evaluate the relationship between food insecurity and obesity. 2. Analyze food choices that are affected by the recession in a middle aged population of women with children. 3. Describe an intervention to address food insecurity. 4. Identify the analytic procedures used in formulating a 2-item food security screen.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)