According to the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, everyone should be entitled to an adequate minimum income sufficient for a healthy diet. Studies show that food insecurity remains a concern in Europe, highlighting the need to determine budgets for adequate nutrition, known as Food Reference Budgets. Previous approaches, based on expert-designed Food Baskets or focus group discussions, are often limited by their normative nature and/or low representativeness.

To address these problems, this study explores Linear Programming as a novel method to calculate Food Reference Budgets for 26 EU member states. To analyse if Linear Programming could be an adequate tool to calculate future Food Reference Budgets, this method was used to design country-specific food baskets that align with consumption habits and healthy diet requirements. The food baskets were then priced at different levels to determine the cost for healthy diets in 26 European Countries.

Germany

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The results show a positive correlation between optimised healthy and current observed diets for most food groups, indicating that country-specific preferences are reflected in the optimised healthy food baskets. Nevertheless, to meet healthy diet requirements, consumption of vegetables, fruit, fish, and dairy must increase compared to the current observed diets.

At a lower price level, the Food Reference Budgets ranged from 2.38 to 5.71 €/day, depending on the country. With a low-price level (20th percentile), costs for healthy diet accounted for between 5.74 % of income in Luxembourg and 29.00 % in Romania, showing the large differences in affordability between countries.

Overall, it was concluded that Linear Programming could be a promising approach for determining uniform and comparable European Food Reference Budgets and should be discussed in the context of the EU Commission’s efforts to modernise the European minimum income schemes.

The first year of life is a critical period when nutrient intakes can affect long-term health outcomes. Although household food insecurity may result in inadequate nutrient intakes or a higher risk of obesity, no studies have comprehensively assessed nutrient intakes of infants from food insecure households. This study aimed to investigate how infant nutrient intakes and BMI differ by household food security.

Cross-sectional analysis of the First Foods New Zealand study of infants aged 7–10 months. Two 24-h diet recalls assessed nutrient intakes. ‘Usual’ intakes were calculated using the multiple source method. BMI z-scores were calculated using WHO Child Growth Standards.

Dunedin and Auckland, New Zealand.

Households with infants (n 604) classified as: severely food insecure, moderately food insecure or food secure.

Nutrient intakes of food insecure and food secure infants were similar, aside from slightly higher free and added sugars intakes in food insecure infants. Energy intakes were adequate, and intakes of most nutrients investigated were likely to be adequate. Severely food insecure infants had a higher mean BMI z-score than food secure infants, although no significant differences in weight categories (underweight, healthy weight and overweight) were observed between groups.

Household food insecurity, in the short term, does not appear to adversely impact the nutrient intakes and weight status of infants. However, mothers may be protecting their infants from potential nutritional impacts of food insecurity. Future research should investigate how food insecurity affects nutrient intakes of the entire household.

The primary aim of this rapid review was to provide a summary of the mechanisms by which HFI is associated with child and adolescent health outcomes. The secondary aim was to identify key HFI determinants, provide an updated account of HFI-associated child/ adolescent health outcomes and build a conceptual map to illustrate and consolidate the findings.

A rapid review was performed using EMBASE, Medline, Web of Science and The Cochrane library. Inclusion criteria were observational High- income English-language studies, studies evaluating the mechanisms and associations between HFI and child health outcomes using statistical methods.

High income English-speaking countries.

Child (3-10 years) and adolescent populations (11-24 years) and their parents, if appropriate.

Eight studies reported on the mechanisms by which HFI is related to child health outcomes, suggesting that maternal mental health and parenting stress play mediating roles between HFI and child/adolescent mental health, behaviour and child weight status. Sixty studies reported on associations between HFI and various child health outcomes. HFI had significant impact on diet and mental health, which appeared to be interrelated. Sociodemographic factors were identified as determinants of HFI and moderated the relationship between HFI and child/adolescent health outcomes.

There is a gap in the evidence explaining the mechanistic role of diet quality between HFI and child weight status, as well as the interplay between diet, eating behaviours and mental health on physical child health outcomes. The conceptual map highlights opportunities for intervention and policy evaluations using complex systems approaches.

With the re-emerging homelessness issue in Hong Kong, given its least affordable housing, securing food to meet the basic physiological needs is of priority concern for the homeless. This study aims to examine the situation and determinants of food insecurity among the homeless in Hong Kong.

Cross-sectional survey on food insecurity level, socio-demographic characteristics, homeless experiences and health status and behaviours.

360 community hot spots of homeless people identified by NGO and experienced social workers in different districts of Hong Kong in 2021.

711 individuals experiencing homelessness.

The observed prevalence of low, medium and high food insecurity levels was 37·4 %, 20·4 % and 42·2 %, respectively. Results from multivariable ordinal logistic regression showed that older, female, non-Chinese and non-married respondents were inversely associated with food insecurity, whereas having sufficient savings for more proper housing was the primary determinant among socio-economic indicators. In addition to reasons for homelessness, risk factors of food insecurity included living in guesthouses/hotels and difficulties due to government measures on homeless control. Except for disability, both self-rated physical and mental health statuses showed dose–response relationships with food insecurity level.

The substantial individual variations in socio-demographic statuses, homeless experiences and health deficits shaped the differential risks of food insecurity within the homeless community in Hong Kong. Targeted homeless programmes should go beyond the conventionally vulnerable groups but consider the multifaceted nature of homeless experiences in relation to food access and integrate health assessments to holistically support the homeless.

Little is known about food insecurity in Asian Americans (AA). We examined age/ethnic subgroup differences in food insecurity among AA in California.

We examined associations between food insecurity and socio-demographic characteristics among AA (Chinese, Filipino, Korean, and Vietnamese) using the χ2 test. Rolling averages were calculated to examine food insecurity trends.

California.

We used data from the California Health Interview Survey (2011–2018) for AA categorised by age (18–39, 40–59 and 60+ years).

Food insecurity prevalence varied by subgroup, with the highest observed in older adult (aged 60+ years) Vietnamese (26 %). Between 2011–2014 and 2015–2018, food insecurity prevalence increased 20–45 % across older adults, but showed a decreasing trend among younger adults. Being foreign born and speaking a language other than English at home were associated with increased food insecurity.

Community-engaged research to develop culturally appropriate strategies for mitigating food insecurity among older AA is warranted.

Shifts in food acquisition during the COVID-19 pandemic may have affected diet. Assessing changes in diet is needed to inform food assistance programs aimed at mitigating diet disparities during future crises. This longitudinal study assessed changes in diet among a low-income, racially diverse population from March-November 2020.

Survey data were collected from 291 adults living in Austin, TX. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression models assessed the relationship between changes in consumption of fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables (FV), and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and the following food acquisition factors: food security, difficulty finding food, food bank usage, and food shopping method.

Adjusted models indicated individuals with consistent food insecurity had increased odds of reporting a higher category of consumption for frozen (aOR = 2.13, P < 0.05, CI:1.18-3.85) and canned (aOR = 4.04, P < 0.01, CI:2.27-7.20) FV and SSB (aOR = 3.01, P < 0.01, CI:1.65-5.51). Individuals who reported using a food bank were more likely to report increased consumption of frozen (aOR = 2.14, P < 0.05, CI:1.22-3.76) and canned FV (aOR = 2.91, P < 0.01, CI:1.69-4.99).

Shifts in food acquisition factors were associated with changes in diet. Findings demonstrate the need for more robust food assistance programs that specifically focus on all dimensions of food security.

This study investigates the links between dietary diversity, food insecurity and mental health (depression and anxiety) in adolescents from rural Pakistan. Adolescence is a critical time for developing mental health disorders, yet limited research exists on these issues in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

The study included 1,396 adolescents (ages 9–15) and assessed their mental health, nutrition and maternal well-being. Depression and anxiety were measured using standardized questionnaires, while dietary diversity and food insecurity were evaluated through household assessments. Incidence rate ratios assessed the relationship between nutrition and mental health.

Results showed that 8.1% of boys and 10.2% of girls experienced depression, with anxiety rates ranging from 5.8% to 39.1%. Adolescents from households with higher dietary diversity had lower symptoms of depression and anxiety (IRRs:0.91–0.96), while those with higher food insecurity had increased symptoms (IRRs:1.24–1.86). Folate deficiency was associated with depressive symptoms, particularly in boys. Maternal mental health was observed to mediate the relationship between food insecurity and adolescent depression and anxiety.

The study highlights that improving maternal mental health and addressing nutritional deficiencies, particularly folate, may benefit adolescent well-being. Further research in other LMICs is needed to explore these associations and their mechanisms.

Young adulthood is a transitional period between childhood and adulthood characterised by unique stressors that increase the risk of food insecurity and poor mental health. This study examined the association between food insecurity and mental health outcomes among U.S. young adults aged 18–25.

A cross-sectional survey was completed by young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 years between January and April 2022. Key measures included food insecurity, perceived stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms and insomnia. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were used to determine the prevalence of and associations between food insecurity and mental health outcomes, controlling for key demographic and social factors.

Online survey.

1630 U.S. young adults.

Among the analytic sample of 1041 young adults, nearly 70 % of participants identified as being food insecure in the last year. Participants reported moderate to high levels of perceived stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms and insomnia. Food insecurity was positively associated with each mental health outcome including perceived stress (β = 2·28, P< 0·01), anxiety (β = 2·84, P< 0·01), depressive symptoms (β = 2·74, P< 0·01) and insomnia (β = 1·28, P< 0·01) after controlling for all other factors.

Food insecurity is associated with mental health problems among young adults. Future efforts should explore the directionality of this relationship to determine if food insecurity initiates or exacerbates poor mental health outcomes or if poor mental health contributes to food insecurity. Interventions to improve food security status may also help support mental health among young adults.

In the United States, roughly one million pregnancies occur every year from the misuse and discontinuation of oral contraceptives – which may be affected by an individual’s exposure to social determinants of health (SDOH). For those experiencing poorer SDOH, significant barriers may exist when family planning. Thus, our primary objective is to examine associations between domains of SDOH and contraceptive use as well as pregnancy intention using the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).

A cross-sectional analysis of 2017 BRFSS was conducted using the SDOH module to examine differences in family planning. We used bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models to measure associations, via odd ratios, between SDOHs and contraceptive use and pregnancy intention controlling for other sociodemographic variables.

We found that individuals experiencing negative SDOH who reported running out of food (AOR: 0.65; CI: 0.50-0.86), were unable to afford balanced meals (AOR: 0.64; CI:0.49-0.84), or had no money left at the end of the month (AOR: 0.45; CI: 0.32-0.64) were less likely to have used contraceptive methods compared to those not experiencing challenges within these SDOH domains. Among women not utilizing contraceptive methods, individuals not intending to get pregnant were more likely to report difficulty affording balanced meals or having financial stability compared to women attempting to become pregnant.

Our study found that the SDOH domains of monthly financial instability and food insecurity are significantly associated with women not using contraceptive measures but not wanting to become pregnant. Addressing barriers to contraceptive access and FP is becoming more important with shifting policies regarding women’s reproductive healthcare. For women seeking contraceptive and FP advice, increased funding may help provide a solution.

Food insecurity (FI) in the higher education setting is a pressing social justice and public health nutrition issue. Persistent FI rates among students suggest that the current programmes and institutional policies are inadequate. Engaging the community in co-design practices can enhance research and decision-making, leading to more targeted advocacy and solutions. This review describes and evaluates evidence of co-design approaches and identifies strategies for addressing FI in higher education settings.

A review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Literature was searched in three electronic databases (Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE and Web of Science) and two search engines (Google and Google Scholar).

Only studies based in higher education settings were included.

Higher education students.

The search identified 814 studies, of which twenty-eight met the inclusion criteria. Studies involving co-design and participatory research frameworks had higher participation, leading to increased student awareness of FI, student leadership and the development of campaigns and collaborative organisational structures. A content analysis approach identified seven categories for strategies targeting student FI: (1) policy and institutional support; (2) strategic partnerships (3) advocacy and awareness; (4) initiatives for student engagement; (5) student skills and knowledge development; (6) programme development and (7) campus food environment.

Co-designed research methodologies are important for addressing student FI, enhancing advocacy and understanding stakeholder needs. Future studies should prioritise collaborative approaches when exploring solutions to FI and similar social justice issues affecting students.