food insecurity – youth

Why this is important: Food insecurity is associated with poorer self-reported health status and lower intake of fruits and vegetables. Poor eating habits in childhood may continue into adulthood contributing to declines in health.

Definition: Percent of youth in grades 8, 10, and 12 who had to skip or cut the size of a meal in the last year because there wasn’t enough money for food.

Data Source: Health Youth Survey. Washington State Department of Health. Calculations and presentation of data by Spokane Regional Health District, Data Center.