Prevalence of Food Insecurity in Low-Income Neighborhoods in West Texas

College student food insecurity and its relationship to fruit and vegetable intake and overweight/obesity at a HBCU

“…1,2 Research has found that an estimated one in five (22.5%) African-American households is food insecure whereas, one in eleven (9%) of White households is deemed food insecure. [3][4][5][6] An estimated one in four (26%) of African-American children is living in a food-insecure household compared to one in eight (13%) white children. [3][4][5][6] College students (both undergraduate and graduate students) also experience food insecurity.…”

“…[3][4][5][6] An estimated one in four (26%) of African-American children is living in a food-insecure household compared to one in eight (13%) white children. [3][4][5][6] College students (both undergraduate and graduate students) also experience food insecurity. An examination of food security at the University of California (UC) campuses revealed a prevalence of low and very low food insecurity of 25% and 23% respectively within the past 12 months.…”

“…Research, particularly in the United States and Canada, has illustrated that food insecurity is associated with poor health and nutrition outcomes, poor psychological and cognitive functioning, substandard academic achievement and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as overweight/obesity and malnutrition. [3][4][5][6] In contrast, consuming lots of fruits and vegetables has been shown to be good for optimal health. 4,5 The micronutrients that are obtained from fruits and vegetables have been associated with reducing cancer, cardiovascular risk, stroke, diverticulitis, cataract, macular degeneration and the control of both blood pressure andcholesterol.…”

“…4,5 The micronutrients that are obtained from fruits and vegetables have been associated with reducing cancer, cardiovascular risk, stroke, diverticulitis, cataract, macular degeneration and the control of both blood pressure andcholesterol. 6,8 Deficiencies in micronutrients have been shown to be linked to a higher risk of overweight/obesity. [3][4][5][6] Food insecurity has been found to be a risk factor in chronic disease and associated with chronic disease prevalence.…”

“…6,8 Deficiencies in micronutrients have been shown to be linked to a higher risk of overweight/obesity. [3][4][5][6] Food insecurity has been found to be a risk factor in chronic disease and associated with chronic disease prevalence. 9 Among the food insecure, associations have been reported with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.…”