Child Food Insecurity, Stunting, and Development: Evidence and School-Based Social Work Responses: Narrative Review
Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s10560-026-01176-5
- Dergi Adı: Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, CINAHL, EBSCO Education Source, Education Abstracts, Educational research abstracts (ERA), Index Islamicus, Psycinfo, Social Sciences Abstracts, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Social Science Premium Collection (ProQuest), Education Collection (ProQuest), Education Source Ultimate (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Sociology Database (ProQuest), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Academic achievement, Child development, Food insecurity, School social work, Social determinants of health, Stunting
- İstanbul Gelişim Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This review analyzes the relationship between childhood food insecurity, linear growth retardation (stunting), and developmental/academic outcomes from a biopsychosocial perspective, and discusses school-based social work intervention models. Longitudinal studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses examining the effects of food insecurity on physical growth, cognitive development, mental health, and school attendance were synthesized. In addition, an intervention typology was developed through analyzing the implementation literature on school-based social determinants of health screening and social work models. Evidence indicates that food insecurity is associated with small but consistent increases in stunting risk (OR: 1.17) and negative patterns such as anxiety, hyperactivity, absenteeism, and low academic performance in children. These effects are mediated through impaired dietary quality, infection load leading to “energy partitioning,” and diminished parenting capacity within the “Family Stress Model.” School-based interventions limited to food distribution alone are not enough to address structural household deprivations and psychosocial stressors. Schools are strategic platforms for addressing food insecurity, given their universal access and low stigma risk. However, to increase effectiveness, nutritional support must be integrated with social work functions such as risk screening, benefits navigation, case management, and “warm handoffs.” Adopting the principle of “proportionate universalism” at the policy level and monitoring success through process indicators (reach, engagement, sustainability) rather than only outcomes is recommended.