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The purpose of this cross-sectional pilot study was to examine associations between food insecurity, acculturation, demographic factors, and children's fruit and vegetable intake among a sample of Hispanic children ages 5 to 12 years. A convenience sample of 184 parents of low socioeconomic status completed one-time, self-administered questionnaires assessing demographic information, acculturation, and food insecurity in the spring of 2006. In addition, children's fruit and vegetable intake at home was measured using a validated seven-item index. Parents were recruited through local elementary schools in San Antonio, TX. Pearson and Spearman correlations were used to examine the associations between the variables. t tests were used to explore the differences in means of children's fruit and vegetable intake at home for acculturation and food insecurity levels. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Significant correlations were found between demographic variables, acculturation, food insecurity, and children's fruit and vegetable intake at home. The overall mean fruit and vegetable intake at home was 1.04+/-0.63 (mean+/-standard deviation) servings per day. Higher rates of acculturation and higher rates of food insecurity were associated with lower fruit and vegetable intake at home. The findings reported in this study suggest a need for culturally tailored interventions targeting Hispanic children because fruit and vegetable intake at home among Hispanic children was low, regardless of the level of acculturation or food insecurity.

Traditional approaches to treating overweight and obese adults by focusing on individual weight loss have not been effective in stemming the tide of obesity in the population. Recent research has identified critical factors that, as they accumulate and interact over an individual's life span, may put a person at risk for obesity. These factors include rapid weight gain in infancy and childhood, early puberty, and excessive weight gain in pregnancy. Based on this research, a life cycle perspective can be used to develop comprehensive interventions that address the multiple determinants of obesity. Because obesity tracks across generations, it is essential to adopt effective obesity prevention measures now to prevent even higher rates of obesity in future generations. Dietetics professionals can reduce individual risks by providing nutritional services that support appropriate weight gain in childhood and pregnancy. We can also advocate for policies in communities, schools, and worksites that support breastfeeding, ensure access to health-promoting foods, and provide opportunities to be physically active.