FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITIONAL CONCERNS OF PARENTS IN AN ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITY

There is limited information pn the prevalence of food insecurity in C anada. Our purpose was to determine the weight status, dietary intake, level of food security, and nutrition knowledge of 52 parents living in on economically disadvantaged community in southern Ontario. Over 6 6.0% of the participants fell into the low income category; 48.1% were single parents. Obesity was prevalent, 34.2% had a value for the body moss index (kg/m(2))> 27. Analysis of 24-hour dietary recalls reveale d median intakes below the Recommended Nutrient Intakes for calcium, i ron, folate and tint. The results of the nutrition knowledge questionn aire showed few areas of concern. The food security questionnaire was developed in consultation with community representatives. Almost two-t hirds of the parents reported at least one component of food insecurit y; 52.0% deprived themselves to provide food for their children and 48 .1% experienced anxiety around being able to buy food when needed. Str ategies to improve levels of food security must fetus on increasing re sources within the community.