Food insecurity in families where the elderly is the main provider

The present study addresses the issue of food security in families maintained economically by elderly users of the Bolsa Familia Program, and was conducted at the Bolsa Familia Program Unit, Jardim Ingá, in the city of Luziânia, state of Goiás, Brazil. It is a descriptive, qualitative study. Twenty-five individuals aged over 60 years participated in the research. The prevalence of food security was identified in 8% of households; 24% with mild insecurity; 40% with moderate insecurity; and finally 28% with severe food insecurity. The observed food insecurity highlights the continuing need for studies to monitor the food and nutritional status of Brazilian families, especially that of their elderly.