A Scoping Review and Examination of Coping Strategies to Prevent Food Insecurity in Households with Children

Abstract

Background

Food insecurity occurs when household members experience a change in their diet or decrease in food amount due to limited resources. Compared with all households, food insecurity is more prevalent among those with children, affecting 18 percent in 2023. In approximately half of those, the children did not directly experience food insecurity, indicating that coping strategies may help prevent this situation by limiting changes to quality and quantity of diet. A comprehensive review of the various techniques used by both adults and children to maintain food security and access to healthy foods is unknown.

Objective

This scoping review aims to explore the coping strategies used by food insecure households with children in the U.S. and provide insights for interventions that could improve food security.

Study Design, Settings, Participants

This scoping review utilized the PRISMA-ScR Checklist. Studies published in English were identified in online databases PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and PsycINFO up to January 2025. Studies among low-income U.S. households with children that addressed coping strategies to manage food insecurity were included in this review.

Measurable Outcome/Analysis

Articles were screened in Covidence by two independent reviewers through title/abstract and full text stages using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Given any conflicts, reviewers engaged in a discussion to reach a consensus on whether to include or exclude the article. Study results and key themes were extracted and synthesized narratively regarding coping strategies to manage food security status.

Results

A total of 25 studies were identified through the screening process. Four key coping strategies were identified: using community assistance programs, gaining support from family members and friends, using financial coping methods, and adjusting personal food intake. Most studies focused on coping strategies used by mothers and parents, while others examined strategies used by the entire household or by children.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that food insecure households with children utilize coping strategies to manage food security, providing insights for future nutrition education interventions to improve food security.

Funding

USDA – National Institute of Food and Agriculture