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Objective: To determine the temporal directionality of the association between food insecurity and maternal depression. Design: Food insecurity was measured at two time points using the 18-item USDA Food Security Scale. Maternal depression was measured at two time points using the 15-item Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form. Two structural equation models were utilized to evaluate the impact of food insecurity on maternal depression (model 1) and the impact of maternal depression on food insecurity (model 2). Both models controlled for socio-demographic and parenting characteristics and child behavior problems, along with prior measures of the dependent variable, concurrent measures of the independent variable. Setting: Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing (FFCW) study, 20 cities across the United States Participants: 4,897 mothers who participated in two waves of the FFCW study. Results: On average, 17% (time 1) and 15% (time 2) of mothers experienced food insecurity and 21% (time 1) and 17% (time 2) of mothers experienced depression over time. Maternal depression at time 1 was associated with 53% increased odds (OR=1.53; B=0.43; p <.001) of food insecurity at time 2, controlling for time 1 food insecurity, concurrent depression, and covariates. Food insecurity at time 1 was associated with 36% increased odds (OR=1.36; B=0.31; p <.001) of maternal depression at time 2, controlling for time 1 depression, concurrent food insecurity, and covariates. Conclusions: We found a bidirectional relationship between food insecurity and maternal depression. A holistic approach that combines food assistance and mental health services may be an efficacious approach to reducing both depressive symptoms food insecurity among low-income mothers.

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This study evaluated the feasibility and effects of the Families Understanding Nutrition and Physically Active Lifestyles (FUNPALs) Playgroup on toddler (12–36-month-old) diet and activity behaviors. Parent–toddler dyads were recruited from disadvantaged communities and randomly assigned to receive 10-weekly sessions of the FUNPALs Playgroup (n = 24) or dose-matched health education control group (n = 26). FUNPALs Playgroups involved physical and snack activities, delivery of health information, and positive parenting coaching. The control group involved group health education for parents only. Process outcomes (e.g., retention rate, fidelity) and focus groups determined feasibility and perceived effects. To evaluate preliminary effects, validated measures of toddler diet (food frequency questionnaire and a carotenoid biomarker), physical activity (PA; accelerometers), general and feeding parenting (self-report surveys), and home environment (phone interview) were collected pre and post. The sample comprised parents (84% female) who self-identified as Hispanic/Latino (38%) and/or African American (32%). Retention was high (78%). Parents from both groups enjoyed the program and perceived improvements in their children’s health behaviors. Objective measures demonstrated improvement with large effects (η2 = 0.29) in toddler diet (p < 0.001) but not PA (p = 0.099). In conclusion, the FUNPALs Playgroup is feasible and may improve toddler eating behaviors.

Despite considerable evidence that plant-based diets can significantly improve health, medical professionals seldom discuss this with their patients. This issue might occur due to minimal training received in medical education, lack of time, and low self-efficacy for counseling patients about diet. Nutrition and lifestyle change should be considered a core competency for all physicians and health professionals looking for cost-effective ways to improve patient health outcomes and reduce nutrition-related chronic diseases. Strategies for health professionals to acquire nutrition counseling skills in medical training and clinical practices are discussed.