Food insufficiency exists in the United States: results from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III).

• DOI: 10.2105/ajph.88.3.419
• Publication Date: 2008-11-29T13:30:23Z
• Authors: K Alaimo; R R Briefel; E A Frongillo; C M Olson
• Keywords: Food Stamp Program

The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence food insufficiency in United States and examine sociodemographic characteristics related insufficiency.Data were analyzed from third National Health Nutrition Examination Survey, a cross-sectional representative sample civilian noninstitutionalized population living households. Individuals classified as "food insufficient" if family respondent reported that sometimes or often did not get enough eat.From 1988 through 1994, overall 4.1% primarily poverty status. In low-income population, positively associated with being Mexican American, under age 60, having head who had completed high school, participating Food Stamp Program, health insurance. It type employment status head. Over half food-insufficient individuals lived employed families.Food is limited very persons, specific racial/ethnic groups, types, unemployed. Understanding critical formulating nutrition programs policies.