Systematic identification of and response to child food security by schools

INTRODUCTION: More than 20% of US children live in a food-insecure household.

Identifying and responding appropriately to their needs remains a major challenge.

Schools are existing systems that could be used to identify children experiencing

food insecurity; schools already confront and respond to a variety of children’s needs,

including food, but do not do so systematically. This research examined whether and

how schools could systematically identify food-insecure children and provide appropriate

responses. METHODS: In three elementary and middle schools, all students (n=763)

were assessed regarding experiences related to food insecurity. Follow-up in-depth

interviews with children who affirmed food insecurity guided further assessment and

responses by the schools through a weekly take-home backpack of food and by linking

the family with additional resources via social-work students. School staff, child, and

family experiences of the assessment, backpack, and additional support were documented

throughout subsequent interviews. RESULTS: Schools systematically identified children

using a short questionnaire, individual interviews, and discussion groups; each school

adapted the assessment to their situation. School staff and families found the extra

support of the social-work students to be helpful in solving issues surrounding food.

School staff found the backpacks to be disruptive to their daily responsibilities. The

backpacks most benefited children living in extreme situations. Children experienced

stigma related to the backpacks. DISCUSSION: School systems provide a scalable way

to identify children who are food-insecure. More research is needed regarding how to

scale up programs in schools identifying child food insecurity and addressing it and its

consequences.