Children of Immigrants: Healthy Beginnings Derailed by Food Insecurity

U.S.-born children of immigrant mothers are more likely to be breastfed, have a healthy birth weight, and live with two parents than children of U.S.-born mothers.  Despite this healthier start, young children of recent immigrants are more likely to be in poor health and food insecure. Food insecurity plays a significant role in harming the health of young children of immigrants. Though immigrant families have higher rates of poverty and food insecurity, because of regulatory barriers and confusion about eligibility, children of immigrants are less likely than those of U.S.-born parents to receive important nutritional and health benefits needed for healthy growth and development.