Perceived Access and Actual Intake of Healthy Diets Among Households in Vulnerable Salvadoran Communities

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the dietary intake of Salvadoran households according to perceived access to healthy meals (PAHD), and to identify household characteristics associated with diet quality and PAHD.MethodsSecondary data analysis with a sample of 139 Salvadoran households from resource-poor communities in El Salvador. Chi-square tests and ANOVA were used to assess differences in dietary intake across households classified according to PAHD.ResultsHigh-PAHD households had higher women's education, household food security levels, overall diet quality, and variety, and higher intakes of animal products, fats, cholesterol, vitamin C, and sodium (P < .05). Diet quality was not associated with the household characteristics studied.Conclusions and ImplicationsOverall diet quality was associated with higher levels of PAHD, but some differences in intakes were not as expected, such as higher intakes in foods and nutrients associated with low-quality diets, among high PAHD households.     

Few Changes in Food Security and Dietary Intake From Short-term Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Among Low-income Massachusetts Adults

ObjectiveTo examine whether short-term participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) affects food security and dietary quality among low-income adults recruited from a Massachusetts-wide emergency food hotline.MethodsA 3-month, longitudinal study was conducted among 107 adults recruited at the time of SNAP application assistance. Outcomes included household food security (10-item US Department of Agriculture Food Security Survey Module), dietary intake (eg, grains, fruit) and diet quality (modified Alternate Healthy Eating Index). Data were analyzed using paired t tests and multivariable linear regression.ResultsSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participation was not associated with improved household food security over 3 months (P = .25). Compared with non-participants, SNAP participants increased refined grain intake by 1.1 serving/d (P = .02), from baseline to follow-up. No associations were observed with other foods, nutrients, or dietary quality.Conclusion and ImplicationsPolicies that simultaneously improve household food security and dietary quality should be implemented to support the health of low-income Americans participating in this crucial program.     

Severity of household food insecurity and lifetime racial discrimination among African-American households in South Carolina

Objectives: In 2014, 30% of African-American households with children had low or very low food security, a rate double that of white households with children. A household has low food security if its members experience food shortages and reductions in food quality attributable to a lack of household resources or access and very low food security if its members also experience reductions in food intake and disrupted eating patterns. Households that are either low or very low food secure are known collectively as food insecure. We examined the association between the severity of household food insecurity and reports of lifetime racial discrimination among a sample of food-insecure African-American households in South Carolina.

Design: Data were collected from 154 African-American respondents. Food insecurity was measured using the US Department of Agriculture’s Household Food Security Survey Module. Lifetime racial discrimination was measured using the Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaire-Community Version (PEDQ-CV). We used logistic regression to test the association between severity of food insecurity (low vs. very low food secure), PEDQ-CV score and PEDQ-CV subscales. All models were adjusted for demographic and socioeconomic variables.

Results: A one-unit increase in the frequency of lifetime racial discrimination was associated with a 5% increase in the odds of being very low food secure (odds ratio (OR) 1.05, P?P?P?P?P?>?.05).

Conclusions: Severity of household food insecurity is associated with lifetime racial discrimination among African-American households in South Carolina.     

Measuring Household Food Security Using Food Intake Indicators in Rural Kwazulu Natal,South Africa

Estimation of micronutrients intake in food consumption surveys has generally been ignored. Focusing on similar households, a household food consumption survey (n = 200) was carried out in November 2004 (period of less) and March 2005 (period of plenty) in rural KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Diet diversity, energy, protein and micronutrient intakes were proxies of household food security. Principal Component Analysis was used to estimate household food adequacy and strength of the variables (nutrients) in determining household intake variation amongst the community. On average, variation in household intake was contributed by energy (62.8%), iron (20.2%), protein (11.8%), vitamin E (3.8%), vitamin A (1.0%), and dietary diversity (0.3%). Linking food intake to household variables can generate plausible variables for measuring household food security.     

Food Insecurity Is Linked to a Food Environment Promoting Obesity in Households With Children

ObjectiveTo determine the extent to which the presence and accessibility of healthful and less healthful foods in children's homes vary with level of food security.MethodsA total of 41 parents or primary caregivers who had at least 1 child ages 2–13 and resided in a low-income area with limited food access completed a home food inventory and a validated measure assessing household food security.ResultsCompared with food-secure participants, marginal or low/very low food-secure caregivers reported significantly more obesity-promoting foods in the home, more microwavable or quick-cook frozen foods, and greater access to less healthful foods in the kitchen (all Ps < .05).Conclusions and ImplicationsGiven the greater presence and accessibility of less healthful foods, targeting home food environment may improve diet quality and health status in children of low-income, food insecure households.     

Estimates of food intake and dietary habits in a random sample of adolescents in south-east Spain

Dietary habits and food intake of the six basic food groups (milk, meats, cereals, fruits, vegetables and fats) were investigated in a random sample of 206 adolescents (aged 10–15 years) from a region of south-east Spain (Murcia). Adolescents were interviewed on their recall of food intake over the previous 24 h. The results showed a very low consumption of vegetables, some deficiencies in the intake of the milk and fruits, and an excessive intake of fats. Intake of foods belonging to the cereal and meat groups was adequate, agreeing with the recommendations for the adolescent population. Within the meat group, the distribution of foods consumed was not satisfactory; an excessive consumption of meats and sausages was observed, while the intake of fish and pulses was insufficient. In our study, nutritional advice was given to mothers and adolescents. The use of Spanish portions from the six basic food groups proved to be a very helpful method to popularize the principles of balanced diet in our population. Our results seem to indicate some nutritional imbalances in the diets of the adolescents in the study, especially deficits in fibre and calcium and an excess in saturated fats. The study reveals that although Murcia is a typically Mediterranean Region, the characteristics of the diet of Murcian adolescents are quite different in some respects from the typical alimentary habits of the Mediterranean diet.     

Diet and diabetes: a common approach.

Objective: To assess the impact of breakfast skipping and type of breakfast consumed on energy/nutrient intake, nutrient adequacy, and diet quality.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999–2002.

Subjects: Young adults (20–39 years, n = 2615).

Measures: A 24-hour dietary recall was used, with breakfast defined as self-reported. Covariate-adjusted sample-weighted means for the entire day's energy/nutrient intakes, mean adequacy ratio (MAR) for nutrient intakes, and diet quality (i.e., Healthy Eating Index [HEI]-2005) scores were compared using analysis of variance and Bonferroni's correction (p < 0.0167) among breakfast skippers (BS), ready-to-eat-cereal breakfast consumers (RTECC), and other breakfast consumers (OBC). Energy/nutrient intakes and food consumption at breakfast were also compared (p ≤ 0.05).

Results: Twenty-five percent of young adults were BS, 16.5% were RTECC, and 58.4% were OBC. Intakes of total energy, percent energy from carbohydrate, and dietary fiber were higher in RTECC than in BS and OBC. Percent energy intake from added sugars was higher in BS than in RTECC and OBC. Compared with BS and RTECC, OBC consumed a lower percent energy from carbohydrates and total sugars, but consumed a higher percent energy from total fat and discretionary solid fats and had a higher cholesterol intake. Intakes of several micronutrients were higher in RTECC than in BS and OBC. Both MAR and total HEI scores were the highest in RTECC and higher in OBC than in BS. The HEI scores for intakes of whole fruits, total/whole grains, milk, and percent energy from solid fat/alcohol/added sugar were the highest in RTECC and higher in OBC than in BS. Compared with OBC, RTECC had a higher HEI score for the intake of saturated fat. At breakfast, RTECC consumed higher intakes of total fruits, whole grains, dairy products, carbohydrates and total sugars, dietary fiber, and several micronutrients than OBC, who consumed higher intakes of meat/poultry/fish, eggs, total fat, discretionary oils/solid fats, cholesterol, and sodium than RTECC.

Conclusion: Thus, RTECC had more favorable nutrient intakes and better diet quality than BS and OBC.     

Report

Household food procurement strategies, preservation methods and intake frequency of contemporary and traditional foods were examined in the Eastern Cherokee township of Snowbird. In addition to purchasing food, 98.6 percent of households obtained food using traditional acquisition strategies such as gardening and gathering wild foods. Home food preservation was practiced in 97.2 percent of homes. Most common preservation methods were canning, freezing and drying. Estimates of food intake frequency indicate a variety of foods were eaten in Snowbird homes. Types of foods consumed were similar to those for the general United States population. However, native Cherokee foods were part of this group's diet.     

Home gardens and the energy and nutrient intakes of women and preschoolers in rural Puerto Rico

The study investigated how the increased availability of self‐grown foods was related to the adequacy of the energy and nutrient intake of rural women and preschoolers in Puerto Rico. The 109 women included in the study were found to be most seriously deficient in iron and calcium, and tended to suffer from obesity. The 50 preschoolers demonstrated no serious chronic/acute undernutrition or growth retardation, and were most seriously deficient in iron and vitamin C. Results indicated that per capita food expenditures did not decrease with increased availability of self‐grown foods. Home gardens had the effect of increasing the total food supply of the household during certain seasons. Preschoolers appeared to benefit nutritionally more from horticultural production than adult women. With the exception of iron intake, more adequate energy and nutrient intakes of preschoolers were associated with the availability of different self‐grown foods. This was only true for the vitamin A intake of the women.     

Dietary Quality and Usual Intake of Underconsumed Nutrients and Related Food Groups Differ by Food Security Status for Rural,Midwestern Food Pantry Clients

BackgroundFood pantry users represent a predominantly food insecure population, yet dietary intake may differ among food secure (FS), low FS, and very low FS clients. Usual intake of food groups and nutrients by food security status has not previously been compared among food pantry clients.ObjectiveThis study aimed to estimate the usual intakes of underconsumed nutrients (ie, potassium; dietary fiber; choline; magnesium; calcium; vitamins A, D, E, and C; and iron) and related food groups (ie, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and dairy) and dietary quality, and to evaluate their relationship with food security status.DesignThis cross-sectional, secondary analysis used baseline data from a prior intervention study (Clinical Trial Registry: NCT03566095). A demographic questionnaire, the US Household Food Security Survey Module, and up to three 24-hour dietary recalls on nonconsecutive days, including weekdays and weekends, were collected.Participants/settingThis community-based study included a convenience sample of adult, midwestern food pantry clients (N=579) recruited from August to November 2014.Main outcome measuresMain outcomes evaluated were Healthy Eating Index-2010 scores and usual intakes of underconsumed nutrients and related food groups.Statistical analyses performedLinear regression models and the National Cancer Institute method, adjusting for confounders, were used to estimate associations of food security with diet quality and usual intake, respectively.ResultsBeing FS was associated with a higher whole grains HEI-2010 score and higher mean usual intake of whole grains compared with being low FS. Being FS was associated with higher usual intakes of iron and dairy compared with being very low FS. Being FS was associated with a higher mean usual intake of dark green vegetables compared with being low FS and very low FS. Usual intakes were below federal guidance for all subgroups of food security.ConclusionsAlthough food security status may differentiate dietary intake among food pantry clients, improvements are needed among all clients.     

Infants' Consumption of a New Food Enhances Acceptance of Similar Foods

The number of feedings needed to increase intake of a novel target food was investigated, and whether exposure effects generalized to other foods in a sample of 4 to 7-month-old infants (N=39). Other foods varied in their similarity to the target food, including the same food prepared by another manufacturer, similar foods (other fruits for infants receiving a target fruit) and a different food (e.g. vegetables for infants receiving a target fruit). Infants were fed the target food once a day for 10 days. Intake was used to indicate acceptance. Results revealed that exposure dramatically increased infants' intake of the target food, from an average of 35–72 g. Intake of the different food was unchanged. Same and similar food intake increased with target food exposure. Intake of the target, same and similar foods nearly doubled to 60 g after one exposure to the target food. These rapid increases in intake contrast the slower changes seen in young children. Results for the other foods suggest that infants may have difficulty discriminating among many foods.     

Food Insecurity Is Inversely Associated with Diet Quality of Lower-Income Adults

Food insecurity acts as a chronic stressor independent of poverty. Food-insecure adults may consume more highly palatable foods as a coping mechanism, leading to poorer diet quality and increased risks of chronic disease over time. Using data from the 1999-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, this study aimed to examine the cross-sectional differences in dietary intake and diet quality by household food security among 8,129 lower-income adults (≤300% of the federal poverty level). Food insecurity was assessed using the 18-item US Household Food Security Survey Module. Dietary intake was assessed from 24-hour recalls and diet quality was measured using the Healthy Eating Index-2005 and the Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010. Relative mean differences in dietary outcomes by household food security were estimated using linear regression models, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Lower-income food-insecure adults reported higher consumption of some highly palatable foods, including high-fat dairy products (P trend<0.0001) and salty snacks (P trend=0.01) compared with lower-income food-secure adults. Food insecurity was also associated with more sugar-sweetened beverages (P trend=0.003); more red/processed meat (P trend=0.005); more nuts, seeds, and legumes (P trend=0.0006); fewer vegetables (P trend<0.0001); and fewer sweets and bakery desserts (P trend=0.0002). No differences were observed for intakes of total energy and macronutrients. Food insecurity was significantly associated with lower Healthy Eating Index-2005 (P trend<0.0001) and Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010 scores (P trend<0.0001). Despite no macronutrient differences, food insecurity was associated with characteristics of poor diet quality known to increase chronic disease risk.     

Dietary Associations of Household Food Insecurity among Children of Mexican Descent: Results of a Binational Study

Background/objectiveChildren of Mexican descent frequently experience household food insecurity both in the United States and Mexico. However, little is known about the associations of food insecurity with dietary intake. This study aimed to understand the level of perceived food insecurity and its association with dietary intake among children of Mexican descent residing in the United States and Mexico.DesignThis cross-sectional study utilized data from a 2006 binational study of 5-year-old children of Mexican descent living in migrant communities in California and Mexico.MethodsIn California, children were 301 participants from the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas study, a longitudinal birth cohort in a Mexican immigrant community. Mexican children (n=301) were participants in the Proyecto Mariposa study, which was designed to capture a sample of women and their children living in Mexico who closely resembled the California sample, yet who never migrated to the United States. Household food insecurity was measured using the US Department of Agriculture Food Security Scale and dietary intake was assessed with food frequency questionnaires. Analysis of variance was used to examine unadjusted and adjusted differences in total energy, nutrient intake, and consumption of food groups by household food security status.ResultsApproximately 39% of California mothers and 75% of Mexico mothers reported low or very low food security in the past 12 months (P<0.01). Children in the United States experiencing food insecurity consumed more fat, saturated fat, sweets, and fried snacks than children not experiencing food insecurity. In contrast, in Mexico food insecurity was associated with lower intake of total carbohydrates, dairy, and vitamin B-6.ConclusionsPrograms and policies addressing food insecurity in the United States and Mexico may need to take steps to address dietary intake among children in households experiencing food insecurity, possibly through education and programs to increase resources to obtain healthful foods.     

Fruit and Vegetable Healthy Eating Index Component Scores of Distributed Food Bags Were Positively Associated with Client Diet Scores in a Sample of Rural,Midwestern Food Pantries

BackgroundFood pantries have the potential to improve the quality of clients’ diets.ObjectiveThis study evaluated the relationship between the quality of the mix of foods in pantry inventories and client food bags (separately), as assessed by the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010), with client diet quality and how these relationships varied by food security status.DesignThis cross-sectional, secondary analysis used baseline data from the Voices for Food intervention study (Clinical Trial Registry: NCT03566095). A demographic questionnaire, the US Household Food Security Survey Module, and up to three 24-hour dietary recalls on nonconsecutive days, including weekdays and weekends, were collected. Foods available in pantry inventories and distributed in client food bags were recorded at one time point during baseline data collection.Participants and settingA convenience sample of adult food pantry clients (N = 575) from 24 rural, food pantries in the US Midwest was recruited from August to November 2014.Main outcome measuresPantry inventories, client food bags, and client diets were scored using the HEI-2010. Main outcomes were client HEI-2010 scores.Statistical analyses performedLinear regression models estimated associations between HEI-2010 total and component scores for pantry inventories and client food bags (in separate models) and the corresponding scores for client dietary intake. The interaction of client food security status, and potential pantry- and client-level confounders, was considered.ResultsClient food bag HEI-2010 scores were positively associated with client diet scores for total vegetables, greens and beans, and total fruit components, whereas pantry inventory HEI-2010 scores were negatively associated with client diet scores for total fruit, total protein foods, and seafood and plant proteins components. Client food bag whole-grains scores were more strongly associated with very low food secure compared with food secure client diet scores (all P values < 0.05).ConclusionsThe quality of client food bags, but not of pantry inventories, was positively associated with client diet quality in a rural sample in the US Midwest.     

Household Food Insecurity Is Not Associated with Overall Diet Quality Among Pregnant Women in NHANES 1999–2008

Objective

Analyze the association between household food security status and diet quality during pregnancy.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis of pregnant women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2008. Of the 1158 pregnant women with complete household food security information, we analyzed 688 women who had complete dietary information and household incomes ≤300 % of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Diet quality was measured by the Alternate Healthy Eating Index modified for Pregnancy (AHEI-P) from 1 to 2 24 h dietary recalls. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were implemented to assess the association between household food security status and AHEI-P, adjusting for age, nativity, marital status, race/ethnicity, education, and household income.

Results

Among women with household incomes ≤300 % of the FPL, 19 % were food insecure and 4 % were marginally food secure. The mean AHEI-P score was 41.9 (95 % CI 40.4, 43.3). Household food insecurity was not associated with overall diet quality. However, living in a food insecure household compared to a food secure household was associated with a 2.3 (1.3, 4.1) greater odds of having a calcium component score greater than the median intake of calcium scores among food secure women in the sample.

Conclusions for Practice

In a nationally representative sample of pregnant women, 80 % lived in a fully food secure household. Improving household food security during pregnancy is a public health opportunity to improve health outcomes; however household food security status may not be associated with overall diet quality.

     

Food insecurity and food supplies in Latino households with young children

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between food insecurity and food supplies in Latino households. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey, conducted February to May 2001. SETTING: Six California counties. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sampling was used to recruit 274 low-income Latino families with preschool children from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Head Start, and other community-based organizations. Complete data were available for 256 families. Variables Measured: Food security, household food scores. ANALYSIS: Pearson correlations, Kruskal-Wallis test, and logistics regression. Significance level at P <.05. RESULTS: Controlling for maternal education, food insecurity over the past 3 months was associated with lower household food supplies: dairy, r = -.18, P <.01; fruit, r = -.36, P <.001; grains, r = -.27, P <.0001; meats, r = -.22, P <.001; snack foods, r = -.23, P <.001; and vegetables, r = -.29, P <.001. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: In Latino households, greater food insecurity is associated with a lower variety of most foods, particularly fruits and vegetables. Future research in Latino households should explore the effects of seasonal food insecurity and household food shortages on food intake of individual household members, especially young children.     

Frequent Canned Food Use is Positively Associated with Nutrient-Dense Food Group Consumption and Higher Nutrient Intakes in US Children and Adults

In addition to fresh foods, many canned foods also provide nutrient-dense dietary options, often at a lower price, with longer storage potential. The aim of this study was to compare nutrient-dense food group intake and nutrient intake between different levels of canned food consumption in the US. Consumption data were collected for this cross-sectional study from 9761 American canned food consumers (aged two years and older) from The NPD Group’s National Eating Trends^® (NET^®) database during 2011–2013; and the data were assessed using The NPD Group’s Nutrient Intake Database. Canned food consumers were placed into three groups: Frequent Can Users (≥6 canned items/week); n = 2584, Average Can Users (3–5 canned items/week); n = 4445, and Infrequent Can Users (≤2 canned items/week); n = 2732. The results provide evidence that Frequent Can Users consume more nutrient-dense food groups such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and protein-rich foods, and also have higher intakes of 17 essential nutrients including the shortfall nutrients—potassium, calcium and fiber—when compared to Infrequent Can Users. Therefore, in addition to fresh foods, diets higher in nutrient-dense canned food consumption can also offer dietary options which improve nutrient intakes and the overall diet quality of Americans.     

Dietary Intakes of Children Enrolled in US Early Child-Care Programs During Child-Care and Non-Child-Care Days

BackgroundEarly-child-care (ECE) programs may substantially influence child diet quality.ObjectiveThe Study of Nutrition and Activity in Child Care Settings describes the usual food group intake of preschool-aged children attending ECE programs relative to Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommendations, comparing intakes during child-care and non-child-care days.DesignMeal observations and parent-completed food diaries in a cross-sectional nationally representative multistage cluster sample of Child and Adult Care Food Program-participating ECE programs.Participants/settingOne thousand four hundred sixty-eight children aged 3 to 5 years attending 217 Child and Adult Care Food Program-participating ECE programs (eg, child-care centers and Head Start) during 2017.Main outcome measuresDaily energy intake, daily US Department of Agriculture Food Pattern Food Group intakes, and percentage of daily intakes meeting 2015-2020 DGA Food Pattern recommendations.Statistical analyses performedRegression-adjusted usual intakes and percentage of children meeting recommendations were estimated using the National Cancer Institute method. Single-day mean intakes were used to test for statistical differences between child-care and non-child-care days.ResultsMean usual energy intake was 1,524 ± 19.3 kcal during child-care days and exceeded the recommended range at 1,702 ± 30.2 kcal during non-child-care days; single-day means indicated significantly lower energy intake on child-care days (P < 0.001). The percent of children meeting DGA recommendations on a child-care day varied by DGA food group: fruits (51.4%), grains (50.1%), dairy (42.5%), vegetables (6.5%), whole grains (4.6%), and protein foods (0.1%). Recommended limits on calories from added sugar and solid fats were met by 28.2% and 14.6% of children, respectively. Compared with mean food group intakes during a single child-care day, non-child-care day intakes were similar for fruits and vegetables, lower for dairy and whole grains, and higher for total grains, protein foods, and calories from added sugars and solid fats.ConclusionsAlthough there is room to increase nutrient density inside and outside of child care, intakes on child-care days more closely align to DGAs.     

Perceived Produce Availability and Child Fruit and Vegetable Intake: The Healthy Communities Study

Children eat more fruits and vegetables when more are available at home, but less is known about how the neighborhood food environment relates to children’s diet and weight outcomes. The goal of this study was to determine whether parental perception of the food environment (neighborhood and home) is associated with children’s fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake and weight outcomes, and to assess differences by household food security status and household income. Cross-sectional data from the 2013–2015 U.S. Healthy Communities Study included 5138 children, aged 4 to 15 years old, from 130 U.S. communities. Neighborhood and home food environments were assessed with parent-reported, perceived F&V availability scores. Associations were tested with multi-level linear regression models. Parents’ perception of produce availability was associated with household F&V availability ratings (β = 0.09 points, p < 0.001). Household F&V availability was associated with child F&V intake (β = 0.32 cups/day or 25.6 g/day, p < 0.001). A higher child F&V intake was associated with a lower child BMI z-score (β = −0.05, p = 0.002). Weaker relationships were seen for children living in food insecure or low-income households. Optimizing neighborhood and home access to F&V may help children improve diet quality, but may not be as effective for children living in food insecure or low-income households.     

Yup’ik identity and socioeconomic status are associated with child consumption of traditional food and weight in rural Yup’ik communities

Objective: In remote, Alaska Native communities, traditional foods remain a significant source of essential nutrients and appear to protect against the development of chronic diseases. Relatively low intake of traditional foods among Alaska Native children is therefore of concern. The aim of this study was to identify household and parental predictors of child traditional food (TF) consumption and weight in remote Yup’ik communities of Alaska.

Design: Children (10–18 years old) and parents in two communities (populations <500) were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Intake of traditional foods among children and parents was estimated from two-24?h recalls using NDS-R. Weight and height were measured and BMI calculated. Sociodemographic factors, including income and education, were collected from parents. A partial least square path modeling analysis and bootstrapping were performed to identify predictors of child TF consumption and weight.

Results: Parental intake of traditional foods, Yup’ik identity and income were positively associated with child intake of traditional foods. Further, parental intake of traditional foods predicted lower child BMI. Parental education was negatively associated with child traditional food intake and positively associated with child BMI.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that interventions targeting parents may be an effective strategy to increase intake of traditional foods and improve diet quality among Alaska Native youth.