Nutrient Profile of Household Food Supplies of Families with Young Children

Currently, little is known about the home food environment. This cross-sectional study was designed to describe the food sources of calories and key nutrients in the households of 100 families with at least one child aged 12 years or younger and compare nutrient availability to recommended levels. Participating households were food secure, ate dinner at home at least three times weekly, had parents who were married or living as domestic partners and not employed in a health-related profession, and resided in New Jersey. Researchers visited each household once during 2006/2007 to inventory all foods except alcoholic beverages, commercial baby food, infant formula, pet foods, refrigerated leftovers, foods of minimal nutrient and calorie content, condiments typically consumed in small quantities per eating occasion, and bulk supplies of staples. Inventories were taken using commercial diet analysis software customized to use barcode scanners for foods with standard barcodes and keyword searches for foods lacking barcodes. Protein, carbohydrate, and fat in the households supplied an average of approximately 15%, 57%, and 29% of calories, respectively. Saturated fat and total sugar accounted for an average of approximately 10% and 20%, respectively, of calories. Mean nutrient adequacy ratio for nutrients recommended to be maximized (ie, vitamins A and C, protein, dietary fiber, iron, calcium) was less than optimal, and mean ratio for those recommended to be minimized (ie, total fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar) exceeded recommendations. Categorization by food group revealed that the greatest availability of calories, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, total sugar, sodium, and iron was from grains. The greatest availability of total fat, cholesterol, and protein was from meat/protein foods. Dairy products contained the greatest quantities of saturated fat and calcium. This study expands the limited research on the home food supply and provides insights that may have important implications for health-promotion interventions.     

Patterns of food consumption in Vietnam: effects on socioeconomic groups during an era of economic growth

OBJECTIVE: To identify if the nutritional status and improvements in Vietnam during the 1990s applied equally to the key vulnerable population groups (poor, rural, and ethnic minority) as it did to the nonpoor-largely in the urban areas. DESIGN: This study used cross-sectional analyses in the context of inequalities occurring in the diets of the poor and nonpoor that accompanied economic improvements during the Vietnam Doi Moi period. SETTING: During the Doi Moi period in Vietnam. SUBJECTS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on data using 23,839 individuals (4800 households) from the Vietnam Living Standard Survey (VLSS) in 1992-1993 and 28,509 individuals (6,002 households) from the Vietnam Living Standard Survey in 1997-1998. Analysis for changes in food consumption was conducted on 17,763 individuals (4,305 households) that were included in both surveys. INTERVENTION: None. RESULTS: After initiation of Doi Moi in 1986, the average Vietnamese person reached the dietary adequacy of 2,100 kcal per day per capita in the early 1990s, but this did not improve during the next decade. The structure of diet shifted to less starchy staples while proteins and lipids (meat, fish, other protein-rich higher fat foods) increased significantly. Although the gap in nutrient intake between the poor and the nonpoor decreased, the proportion of calories from protein- and lipid-rich food for the poor is lower than for the nonpoor. The VLSS data showed that the increase of protein and lipid foods in total energy structure over the 5 y between the VLSS studies for poor households was 0.43% (CI=0.33, 0.53) and 0.47% (CI=0.41, 0.54) lower, respectively, than for nonpoor households (P<0.0001). Inequalities compared to the nonpoor were also found in both quantity and quality of food consumption. For example, poor households consumed (quantity) 127 kcal/day (CI=119, 135) less from meat, and 32 kcal/day (CI=27, 38) less from fats than nonpoor households (P<0.0001), and the proportion of calories consumed (quality) by poor households was 5.8% (CI=5.4, 6.1) less from meat and 0.96% (CI=1.2, 0.7) less from fats than by nonpoor households (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Although the key vulnerable groups-rural, poor, and minority populations-showed improvements in diet, there still remains an inequity between these groups and the nonpoor of the population. In particular, the vulnerable groups consumed less of their daily consumption from the desirable high-quality proteins of animal foods and fats, and more from cereals and other starches-lagging the better-off populations in desired composition.     

Contribution of the production for self-consumption to food availability and food security in households of the rural area of a Brazilian city

Production for self-consumption can meet the principles of food safety such as respect for food habits and diversity. The participation of production for self-consumption in food availability was compared to the purchase of food for 30 days in 79 households (272 inhabitants) of the rural area of a Brazilian city in 2012. The food security was evaluated by the method “Food energy deficiency in the domicile” that classified 12.7% of the households as insecure. In all households, staple foods (rice, pasta, corn, beans, milk, eggs, meats) were available and more than 60% had processed foods (cookies, soft drinks). Only 22.7% of the calories came from production for own consumption and the biggest expense was the purchase of carbohydrates (91.1%), mainly sugar (12.2%). Evaluating only the energy availability of food is not sufficient since the quality and origin of food is of great relevance in the food security condition.     

The impact of modernisation on the diets of adults aged 20-40 years from Samoan church communities in Auckland

The objective of this study was to describe the food and nutrient intakes of adults in three Samoan church communities located in Auckland, New Zealand. The study had a cross-sectional design and measured usual dietary intake in 437 participants, aged 20 years and over, using a self-completed, 89-item quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Median daily energy and nutrient intakes were calculated and compared by gender and age groups. Men obtained a significantly (p < 0.05) lower proportion of their energy from breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables and fats and oils than women. Compared to those aged 40+ years, those aged < 40 obtained a significantly (p < 0.01) lower proportion of their energy from meat, pulses and eggs, fruit and vegetables, and starchy staples. A significantly (p < 0.01) higher proportion of their energy intake came from takeaways, soft drinks, snacks and dairy products. Nutrient analysis revealed that those aged < 40 years obtained significantly (p < 0.001) more energy from fat and sugar, and less energy from protein (p < 0.001) than the older group. They also had significantly lower intakes, per 1000 kilocalories, of a wide selection of vitamins and minerals. A dietary transition has occurred for New Zealand Samoans, reflecting a shift from traditional to modern dietary patterns and a decline in the nutritional quality of the diet.     

A new classification of foods based on the extent and purpose of their processing

This paper describes a new food classification which assigns foodstuffs according to the extent and purpose of the industrial processing applied to them. Three main groups are defined: unprocessed or minimally processed foods (group 1), processed culinary and food industry ingredients (group 2), and ultra-processed food products (group 3). The use of this classification is illustrated by applying it to data collected in the Brazilian Household Budget Survey which was conducted in 2002/2003 through a probabilistic sample of 48,470 Brazilian households. The average daily food availability was 1,792 kcal/person being 42.5% from group 1 (mostly rice and beans and meat and milk), 37.5% from group 2 (mostly vegetable oils, sugar, and flours), and 20% from group 3 (mostly breads, biscuits, sweets, soft drinks, and sausages). The share of group 3 foods increased with income, and represented almost one third of all calories in higher income households. The impact of the replacement of group 1 foods and group 2 ingredients by group 3 products on the overall quality of the diet, eating patterns and health is discussed.     

Alcohol, calorie intake, and adiposity in overweight men

The relation of alcohol use to calorie intake and adiposity was studied in 155 non-smoking, overweight men. Alcohol use and calorie intake were assessed by 7-day dietary record, and body composition was determined by hydrostatic weighing. Increased intake of food calories (i.e., non-ethanol calories only) on alcohol-drinking days was compensated for by decreased food consumption on non-drinking days of the week. Added alcohol calories were not offset during the week and resulted in a surplus intake of over 4,000 kcal/wk for men in the highest drinking group. Although alcohol calories were "added" to food intake, alcohol use was unrelated to level of adiposity. This finding was not accounted for by concomitant differences in exercise status. Basal metabolic rate, however, was elevated in men imbibing one or more "drinks" per day (as compared to abstainers and light-drinkers). Increased basal energy expenditure may have partially offset the alcohol calories of men at lower levels of alcohol intake, but it did not substantially offset the large calorie surplus seen at higher levels of consumption. Our results support recent speculation that alcohol consumption may not be as "fattening" as traditionally believed.     

Alcohol,calorie intake,and adiposity in overweight men.

The relation of alcohol use to calorie intake and adiposity was studied in 155 non-smoking, overweight men. Alcohol use and calorie intake were assessed by 7-day dietary record, and body composition was determined by hydrostatic weighing. Increased intake of food calories (i.e., non-ethanol calories only) on alcohol-drinking days was compensated for by decreased food consumption on non-drinking days of the week. Added alcohol calories were not offset during the week and resulted in a surplus intake of over 4,000 kcal/wk for men in the highest drinking group. Although alcohol calories were “added” to food intake, alcohol use was unrelated to level of adiposity. This finding was not accounted for by concomitant differences in exercise status. Basal metabolic rate, however, was elevated in men imbibing one or more “drinks” per day (as compared to abstainers and light-drinkers). Increased basal energy expenditure may have partially offset the alcohol calories of men at lower levels of alcohol intake, but it did not substantially offset the large calorie surplus seen at higher levels of consumption. Our results support recent speculation that alcohol consumption may not be as “fattening” as traditionally believed.     

Household food availability in Brazil: distribution and trends (1974-2003)

OBJECTIVE: Data from household food budget surveys were examined in order to describe the regional and socio-economic distribution of household food availability in Brazil in 2002-2003 and trends from 1974 to 2003. METHODS: The study uses data from the "Pesquisa de Or?amento Familiar 2002-2003" budget survey conducted by the Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística) from July 2002 to June 2003, including a national sample of 48,470 households. In each household, during seven consecutive days, all monetary and non-monetary expenses with food and beverages for family consumption were registered. Crude weights of purchased foods were transformed into calories and nutrients with the use of food composition tables. RESULTS: Adequate protein content and a high proportion of animal protein were found in all regions and income strata. These were the most important positive aspects identified in the household food availability in Brazil. On the other hand, all regions and socio-economic strata showed excess calories from sugar and little availability of fruits and vegetables. An excessive proportion of calories came from total and saturated fat in the more economically developed regions and in the urban milieu, as well as among higher-income families. Time-trends in metropolitan areas indicated a decline in the consumption of basic, traditional foods, such as rice and beans; notable increases (up to 400%) in the consumption of processed food items, such as cookies and soft drinks; maintenance of the excessive consumption of sugar; and a continuous increase in total fat and saturated fat content in the diet. CONCLUSIONS: Patterns and trends regarding household food availability in Brazil are consistent with the increasing participation of chronic non-communicable diseases in morbidity and mortality and with the continuous increase in the prevalence of obesity.     

Nutrition Claims on Fruit Drinks Are Inconsistent Indicators of Nutritional Profile: A Content Analysis of Fruit Drinks Purchased by Households With Young Children

BackgroundFruit drinks are the most commonly consumed sugar-sweetened beverage among young children. Fruit drinks carry many nutrition-related claims on the front of package (FOP). Nutrition-related claims affect individuals’ perceptions of the healthfulness of products and purchase intentions, often creating a “health halo” effect.ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to describe the prevalence of FOP nutrition-related claims on fruit drinks purchased by households with young children and to examine the association between claims and the nutritional profile of fruit drinks.DesignThe sample included 2059 fruit drinks purchased by households with children 0 to 5 years old participating in Nielsen Homescan in 2017. FOP labels were obtained from 2 databases that contain bar code–level information on all printed material on product labels. A codebook was used to code for presence of FOP nutrition-related claims. The coded claims data were linked by bar code with Nutrition Facts label data. Claim type prevalence was calculated, and the association between claim types and median calories and total grams of sugar per 100 mL was analyzed using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. The percentages of products containing noncaloric sweeteners (NCSs) with and without each claim type were also calculated and compared.ResultsAlmost all (97%) fruit drinks sampled had at least 1 nutrition-related FOP claim. Implied natural claims such as “natural flavors” were the most common (55% of products), followed by claims about the presence of juice or nectar (49%). Claims about vitamin C (33%), sugar (29%), and calories (23%) were also common. Fruit drinks with vitamin C, juice or nectar, fruit or fruit flavor, and overt natural claims were higher in calories and sugar and less likely to contain NCSs compared with products without these claims. Fruit drinks with calorie, sugar, NCS, implied natural, and other claims were lower in calories and sugar and more likely to contain NCSs compared with products without these claims.ConclusionsClaims are prevalent on fruit drinks purchased by households with young children. This is concerning given prior research demonstrating that claims can mislead consumers. Regulatory actions such as requiring a warning or disclosure on drinks that contain added sugars or NCSs should be considered.     

A test of different menu labeling presentations

Chain restaurants will soon need to disclose calorie information on menus, but research on the impact of calorie labels on food choices is mixed. This study tested whether calorie information presented in different formats influenced calories ordered and perceived restaurant healthfulness. Participants in an online survey were randomly assigned to a menu with either (1) no calorie labels (No Calories); (2) calorie labels (Calories); (3) calorie labels ordered from low to high calories (Rank-Ordered Calories); or (4) calorie labels ordered from low to high calories that also had red/green circles indicating higher and lower calorie choices (Colored Calories). Participants ordered items for dinner, estimated calories ordered, and rated restaurant healthfulness. Participants in the Rank-Ordered Calories condition and those in the Colored Calories condition ordered fewer calories than the No Calories group. There was no significant difference in calories ordered between the Calories and No Calories groups. Participants in each calorie label condition were significantly more accurate in estimating calories ordered compared to the No Calories group. Those in the Colored Calories group perceived the restaurant as healthier. The results suggest that presenting calorie information in the modified Rank-Ordered or Colored Calories formats may increase menu labeling effectiveness.     

Phosphorus intake in Poland in 1994-2000

The aim of the study was the evaluation of the phosphorus intake in 8 types of households with different family number of persons in Poland during 1994-2000. The research was conducted on the basis on households budget food consumption data and tables of food composition and nutritional value. Phosphorus intake per capita per day was compared to RDA at the safe level. The intake of phosphorus was high in all investigated households and ranged between 65-144% above lower RDA limit and 34-96% for upper one. When the family number of persons increased, the intake decreased. The main food sources of phosphorus were: bread, meat and meat products, milk and milk drinks and vegetables and mushrooms. The bread has a highest share in phosphorus supply in households maintained from non-earned sources and the lowest for the non-manual labour position one.     

The 2008 food price crisis negatively affected household food security and dietary diversity in urban burkina faso

Although the 2008 food price crisis presumably plunged millions of households into poverty and food insecurity, the real impact of the crisis has rarely been documented using field data. Our objective was to assess the consequences of this crisis for household food insecurity and dietary diversity in urban Burkina Faso. Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted among randomly selected households in Ouagadougou in July 2007 (n = 3017) and July 2008 (n = 3002). At each round, food insecurity assessed by the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), the Dietary Diversity Score of an index-member of the household (IDDS = number of food groups consumed in the last 24 h), and food expenditure were collected. Food prices of the 17 most frequently consumed food items were recorded throughout the study area. Food prices at local markets increased considerably between 2007 and 2008, especially those of fish (113%), cereals (53%), and vegetable oil (44%), increasing the household monthly food expenditure by 18%. Thirty-three percent of households were food secure in 2007 and 22% in 2008 (P = 0.02). Individuals consumed fewer fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and meat/poultry in 2008 than in 2007 (mean IDDS = 5.7 ± 1.7 food groups in 2007 vs. 5.2 ± 1.5 in 2008; P < 0.0001). Differences in IDDS and HFIAS between the 2 y were even more marked after adjustment for confounding factors and food expenditure. Food security and dietary diversity significantly decreased between 2007 and 2008, whereas food prices increased. Households increased their food expenditure, but this was not sufficient to compensate the effects of the crisis.     

Association between density of stores and purchases of ultra-processed food and sugar-sweetened beverages in Mexico

In Mexico, purchases of ultra-processed food and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and the number of large supermarkets, discount and convenience stores are growing. The objective of this study was to analyze the association between the density of different types of food stores and ultra-processed food and SSB (taxed beverages) purchases in a representative sample of Mexican households. Results show that the density of convenience stores (national and in urban areas) was significantly associated with higher purchases of ultra-processed food and that supermarkets were marginally associated. Our findings are stronger for beverages where we found that convenience stores, discount stores, small grocery stores and stores speciliazed in selling candies, popsicles, soft drinks and other food were associated with higher purchases of taxed beverages. Mexico should implement or strengthen current policies to reduce purchases of ultra-processed food and sugar-sweetened beverages and to regulate the location and density of stores.     

Low income Russian families adopt effective behavioral strategies to maintain dietary stability in times of economic crisis

The social, political and economic reforms of 1992 in Russia led to a decade of rising income inequality, unemployment and economic crises, the most severe of which occurred in 1998. This study assesses dietary trends for children in low and high income households during this politically and economically unstable period from 1994 to 2000. Several possible food-related behaviors were also assessed to evaluate coping strategies adopted in the face of decreasing economic stability. Low income children maintained a steady energy intake per kilogram weight throughout the study period (251.0-259.4 kJ/kg), whereas intake for high income children increased significantly to a per capital average of 297.1 kJ/kg by 2000. At the food group level, the trend in per capita intake for all food groups was maintained for low income children except for a 22% decrease in meat and poultry consumption (P < 0.01). Per capita intake increased over time for dairy products and eggs in the high income group (P < 0.01). A decrease in cost per kJ (rubles/kJ) was observed for both low and high income families (P < 0.01). These data suggest that Russian households were able to conserve the diet structure for children by using what appear to be food-related behavioral mechanisms during periods of economic crisis.     

The Food Environment of Primary School Learners in a Low-to-Middle-Income Area in Cape Town,South Africa

Rapid changes in food environments, where less nutritious foods have become cheaper and more accessible, have led to the double burden of malnutrition (DBM). The role food environments have played in shaping the DBM has attained global interest. There is a paucity of food environment research in low-to-middle-income countries. We conducted a case study of the food environments of school aged learners. A primary school in Cape Town was recruited. A multi-method design was used: a home food and eating behaviours questionnaire completed by 102 household respondents and four questions completed by 152 learners; learner participatory photography; a semi-structured school principal interview; a tuckshop inventory; observation of three-day tuckshop purchases. Foods that were commonly present in households: refined carbohydrates, fats/oils, chicken, processed meats, vegetables, fruit, legumes, snacks/drinks. Two thirds of households had rules about unhealthy drinks/snacks, ate supper together and in front of the TV, ate a home cooked meal five–seven times/week and ate breakfast together under two times/week. Vegetables were eaten under two times/week in 45% of households. A majority of learners (84%) took a lunchbox to school. Twenty-five learners photographed their food environment and 15 participated in semi-structured interviews. Six themes emerged: where to buy; what is available in the home; meal composition; family dynamics; peer engagement; food preparation. Items bought at informal food outlets included snacks, drinks and grocery staples. The principal interview revealed the establishment of a healthy school food environment, including a vegetable garden, although unhealthy snacks were sold at the tuckshop. Key dimensions of the food environment that require further investigation in disadvantaged urban and informal settlement areas include the home availability of unhealthy foods, eating behaviours in households and healthfulness of foods sold by informal food outlets.     

Dietary Sources of Energy, Solid Fats, and Added Sugars among Children and Adolescents in the United States

Objective

The objective of this research was to identify top dietary sources of energy, solid fats, and added sugars among 2- to 18-year-olds in the United States.

Methods

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a cross-sectional study, were used to examine food sources (percentage contribution and mean intake with standard errors) of total energy (data from 2005-2006) and energy from solid fats and added sugars (data from 2003-2004). Differences were investigated by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and family income, and the consumption of empty calories—defined as the sum of energy from solid fats and added sugars—was compared with the corresponding discretionary calorie allowance.

Results

The top sources of energy for 2- to 18-year-olds were grain desserts (138 kcal/day), pizza (136 kcal/day), and soda (118 kcal/day). Sugar-sweetened beverages (soda and fruit drinks combined) provided 173 kcal/day. Major contributors varied by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and income. Nearly 40% of total energy consumed (798 of 2,027 kcal/day) by 2- to 18-year-olds were in the form of empty calories (433 kcal from solid fat and 365 kcal from added sugars). Consumption of empty calories far exceeded the corresponding discretionary calorie allowance for all sex-age groups (which range from 8% to 20%). Half of empty calories came from six foods: soda, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk.

Conclusions

There is an overlap between the major sources of energy and empty calories: soda, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk. The landscape of choices available to children and adolescents must change to provide fewer unhealthy foods and more healthy foods with less energy. Identifying top sources of energy and empty calories can provide targets for changes in the marketplace and food environment. However, product reformulation alone is not sufficient—the flow of empty calories into the food supply must be reduced.     

Consumption Pattern of Low Income Rural Households in Nigeria

Abstract

Information on consumption pattern and food preparation methods of Igbo people in rural Nigerian communities from 242 households in two different ecological zones showed these communities still adhered to traditional food habits that are related to socio-economic status, production, distribution, utilization and household size. Starchy staples were the main foods consumed by 100% of respondents, followed by cereals, legumes, fruits and vegetables (60–80%) which were eaten when in season. Occasionally fish or meat was consumed by 40–50% of respondents. Intake of protein-rich foods was limited by purchasing power and availability; carbonated beverages, tea and coffee were rarely consumed as elicited from the questionnaire. Food items such as milk, sugar and rice are considered essential commodities due to scarcity and cost. Meals are usually consumed two times a day. Only on weekends and festival occasions do meals exceed this number. Rice is washed twice or more before boiling; other food commodities are overcooked or cooked in large quantities of water; vegetables are chopped before washing and cooking; these are practices that tend to destroy nutrients. Parboiled vegetables or undercooked meat are infrequent and unpopular. Malnutrition and starvation resulting from food insecurity (no link between production, distribution and utilization) for the expanding rural population may never be closed if food distribution, utilization and consumption patterns of food producers are neglected.     

Are school vending machines loaded with calories and fat: an assessment of 106 middle and high schools

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to describe the extent to which vending offerings in 106 schools in the St. Paul‐Minneapolis, Minnesota metropolitan area, met criteria for types of beverages, fat, and calories based on selected criteria offered by the Institute of Medicine. METHODS: Schools where youth participants were attending for the 2006–2007 school year were identified and invited to participate in the study (n = 143); 81% of schools (n = 116) agreed to participate. RESULTS: Of the 116 schools, 106 had vending machines. Across schools with vending machines (n = 106), 5085 food and 8442 beverage items were offered. Overall, only 18% of beverage items met criteria for calories and type of beverage; significantly more items in public schools met the criteria as compared to private schools (19% vs 12%; p < .01). This difference was also significant for high schools as compared to middle schools (18% vs 22%; p < .01). For food items, 41% met calorie criteria, 45% met fat criteria, and 22% met both fat and calorie criteria. Significantly more food items met both criteria in public than private schools (22% vs 18%; p = .01), while high schools (22%) and middle schools (21%) were similar. A very small proportion of foods (<5%) would have met the full criteria suggested by the Institute of Medicine for competitive foods. CONCLUSION: Overall, foods and beverages offered in vending machines continue to be high in fat and calories. Public schools are doing a slightly better job of providing healthy foods as compared to private schools.     

Disparities in food habits across Europe

Socially-and culturally-patterned differences in food habits exist both between and within European populations. Daily individual food availability data, collected through the national household budget surveys (HBS) and harmonized in the context of the Data Food Networking (DAFNE) project, were used to assess disparities in food habits of seven European populations and to evaluate dietary changes within a 10-year interval. The availability of selected food items was further estimated according to the educational level of the household head and, based only on the Greek HBS data, according to quintiles of the household's food purchasing capacity. Results for overall food availability support the north-south differentiation in food habits. Generally, the availability of most food items, including foods such as vegetable fats, animal lipids and sugar products, has decreased over the 10 years. Households in which the head was in the higher education categories reported lower availability for most food items, with the exception of low-fat milk, fresh fruit, animal lipids and soft drinks; the latter showing a sharp increase even within southern European households. The household's food purchasing capacity can be used as an indicator of socio-economic status, with higher values being associated with lower status. Greek households of lower social class follow a healthier diet in terms of greater availability of vegetable oils, fresh vegetables, legumes, fish and seafood. Data from the DAFNE databank may serve as a tool for identifying and quantifying variation in food habits in Europe, as well as for providing information on the socio-economic determinants of food preferences.     

Food security, selection, and healthy eating in a Pacific Community in Auckland New Zealand

When an infant is brought home to the family, it is often a time of emotional, economic and physical stress due to the extra demands placed on parents. Household food security means "access at all times to enough and nutritionally appropriate food to provide the energy and nutrients needed to maintain an active and healthy life". Questions about food security were asked of 1376 Pacific Island mothers (as part of the Pacific Island Family Study) approximately six weeks after the birth of their baby. Due to lack of money food sometimes ran out in 39.8% of households and in a further 3.8% food often ran out. Variety of foods was limited by lack of money in 39.3%. Foods that were still bought when money was limited included bread (97%), milk (95%), meat and chicken (91%), vegetables and fruit (83%), rice or pasta (82%), breakfast cereals (69%), fish or shellfish (50%) and biscuits or chips (44%). Alcohol (1%), soft drinks (11%), ice cream (12%) and fruit juice (21%) were the least often bought. Energy density (MJ/kg) and nutrient-density of typical foods limited by lack of money were analysed. Rice, bread and fatty meats provided the most calories per dollar and fruit and vegetables the least. The best protein-value for money was from minced beef, chicken and tinned tuna and the most fibre-rich foods included baked beans and mixed vegetables. Food security is a major problem for Pacific families. The environment of food availability, choice and cost requires attention to help close the health gap.