How food insecurity can lead to obesity. How can teachers help alleviate food insecurity if they identify this problem in children’s families?


Answer: Food insecurity can lead to less expensive, less healthy food choices that are limited in variety. In addition, children who do not have a consistent source of food may overeat when food is available. Low-income families often must choose high-fat, energy-dense, inexpensive food to maximize their calories per dollar spent. They also face additional risk factors for obesity, such as limited access to healthy and affordable foods and a lack of safe and accessible recreational facilities, parks, and walking trails that support physical activity.