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Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne de Santé Publique logoLink to Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne de Santé Publique
. 2002 Nov 1;93(6):411–415. doi: 10.1007/BF03405027

Food Insecurity of Low-income Lone Mothers and Their Children in Atlantic Canada

Lynn McIntyre 13,✉, N Theresa Glanville 23, Suzanne Officer 33, Bonnie Anderson 43, Kim D Raine 53, Jutta B Dayle 63
PMCID: PMC6979852  PMID: 12448861

Abstract

Objective: To examine the occurrence and predictors of hunger and food insecurity over the past year and month among low-income mother-led households in Atlantic Canada.

Method: The Cornell-Radimer Questionnaire to Estimate the Prevalence of Hunger and Food Insecurity was administered weekly for a month, with modifications, to a community sample of 141 lone mothers who took part in a larger dietary intake study. Eligible women included those living alone with at least two children under the age of 14 years in the four Atlantic Provinces and having an annual income less than or equal to Statistics Canada’s low-income cut-off.

Results: Food insecurity over the past year occurred in 96.5% of households. Child hunger was similar to maternal hunger over the one-month study period (23%), however, it was lower than maternal hunger over the past year. On multiple logistic regression analysis, maternal hunger over the past year was predicted by maternal age over 35 years (p<0.0005), and Nova Scotia residence (p=0.03). Child hunger over the past year was also predicted by maternal age over 35 years (p=0.009). Families from New Brunswick experienced less food insecurity over the past month at both the household (p=0.01) and maternal levels (p<0.0005).

Discussion: Provincial policies that might contribute to the regular occurrence of food insecurity in these families should be investigated.

Footnotes

This study was funded by NHRDP No. 6603-1550-002 and Public Health Services, Capital District Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

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