Children living with chronic health conditions are more likely to experience food insecurity than their peers, according to new research published in JAMA Network Open.
The analysis, led by University of Michigan researchers, examined nationally representative survey data from 2019 to 2023, covering more than 34,000 children ages 2 to 17. Food insecurity was more common among children with conditions such as asthma, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities and diabetes, and the risk increased with the number of conditions a child had.
“Our study suggests that children with chronic conditions should be prioritized in efforts to reduce the harms of food insecurity,” said lead author Nina Hill, M.D., a postdoctoral research fellow at Michigan Medicine’s Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center.
The researchers also found a brief improvement during the pandemic, when expanded benefits such as the child tax credit and increased SNAP and WIC support helped reduce food insecurity. But those gains faded once the policies expired, with rates rising again in 2022 and 2023.
Food insecurity currently affects about 10% of U.S. households with children, and it is linked to serious health consequences, including higher risks for asthma, anemia, developmental delays and poor mental health. Families caring for children with chronic conditions may face added financial strain from medical costs and caregiving demands, which can contribute to food insecurity.
The authors emphasized the need for screening and support in pediatric care, pointing to programs such as SNAP, WIC and medically tailored grocery or meal initiatives.
“Now more than ever, our patients need access to effective nutrition support programs,” Hill said.
The study underscores how closely food access and health are connected, highlighting why protecting nutrition assistance policies is critical for children with ongoing medical needs.
This study was unfunded. Dr. Nina Hill is supported by the National Clinician Scholars Program, the Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center, and a grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Dr. Deepak Palakshappa receives grant support from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and consulting fees from WellCare of North Carolina. Dr. Kao-Ping Chua receives consulting fees from the U.S. Department of Justice and grant support from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.