Food insecurity is a multifaceted phenomenon that varies along phases of increasing severity. Each stage is typified by conditions and experiences of food insufficiency, and behavioral responses of household members to these conditions (Bickel et al., 2000). In short, food insecurity consists of reduction of household food stores, eating unsuitable food, worrying about food supply, or acquiring food in socially unacceptable ways, such as, begging (Alaimo, Olson, and Frongillo, 1999). Because food insecurity assesses both the quality and quantity of food, it could affect children even if it does not occur along with child hunger (Alaimo et al., 1999).
Household food insecurity is assessed using an 18-item scale developed by the USDA (Price, Hamilton, and Cook, 1997). At its less severe levels, food insecurity does not involve reducing the quantity of food intake below normal levels, but is evident in adult