Food security and nutrition security are two concepts that measure people’s access to food. Food security.png)
means having “enough food for an active, healthy life” at all times. Nutrition security means having access to “healthy, safe, affordable foods essential to optimal health and well-being.”
Poor nutrition and food insecurity disproportionately impact different groups, including low-income communities and communities of color, and can cause obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and more. 1 in 5 children in the U.S. don’t have enough to eat. In addition to diet-related diseases, hunger can cause poor academic performance and developmental differences in children.
As an early childhood educator, you can help the children in your care access and eat healthy, nutritious foods. Serve a variety of nutritious foods at meals and snacks. Share information on child nutrition and purchasing nutritious foods with families. Enjoy healthy food together as a community. Connect families with resources or programs to help them access or purchase healthy food.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) can support your efforts to serve healthy foods in your ECE program by offering reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks. If you don’t already participate in the CACFP, find your local contact information. Explore a map of food insecurity in the U.S. and see rates in your state and local community.
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