Food insecurity may be linked to childhood obesity in low-income Mexican-American families

populations. Paradoxically, this is the same socio-demographic group that is affected by food insecurity (Crawford, Townsend, et al. 2004). The prevalence of food insecurity is highest for Hispanic and African-American households (22%) and households living below the federal poverty level (38%). In 2002, twice as many households with children under 18 years old experienced food insecurity compared to households without children (17% versus 8%, respectively) (Nord 2003). Recent research suggests that food insecurity may play a role in the onset of obesity among some low-income groups (Olson 1999; Kendall et al. 1996).