Interventions to mitigate infant food insecurity in high-income countries: an overview of current evidence

Abstract

Aim: Infant food insecurity (IFI) is a critical and often overlooked issue in high-income countries. This scoping review aims to identify and summarise interventions that reduce food insecurity or improve nutrition amongst families with infants in these regions. Subject and methods: We searched the major electronic databases and websites of relevant UK and international organisations from 2010 to 2023 to identify reports written in English assessing food insecurity affecting infants (aged 0 to 2 years). The findings were presented in tables and summarised narratively. Results: Out of 6194 records identified, 104 studies were screened, with only two studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Both studies were conducted in the USA. The KIND (Keeping Infants Nourished and Developing) intervention improved preventive care for food-insecure families, increasing lead level test completion rates and well-infant visits, but it did not affect weight-for-length at 9 months. The GWCC (Group Well-Child Care) intervention aimed at promoting responsive feeding amongst low-income caregivers but showed no significant impact on infant growth in the first year. However, caregiver interviews revealed important feeding-related themes. Conclusion: Evidence on interventions addressing infant food insecurity is limited, with none found in the UK. The KIND and GWCC interventions showed mixed outcomes, improving some aspects of care but not significantly affecting infant growth metrics. These findings highlight the need for further research to develop more effective strategies to address the nutritional needs of vulnerable infants in high-income countries.