ORIGINAL PAPER The Household Food Insecurity and Health Outcomes of U.S.–Mexico Border Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers

Abstract Emerging evidence suggests chronic house-hold food insecurity has an adverse effect on health. This study examined the prevalence, predictors and health outcomes associated with food insecurity in 100 migrant and seasonal farmworker (MSFW) households living on the U.S.–Mexico border. Data were collected using the U.S. Food Security Scale, California Agri-cultural Worker’s Health Survey, and objective anthropometric, clinical and biochemical indicators. Food insecurity affected 82 % of households; 49 % also had hunger. Household food insecurity was predicted by the presence of minor children in the home and low maternal education. Food insecure households were more likely to have at least one member affected by symptoms of depression (deprimido), nervios (an eth-nospecific condition), learning disorders, and symp-toms suggestive of gastrointestinal infection. Although not directly associated with food insecurity, adult obesity, central body adiposity, elevated blood pres-sure, and blood lipid and glucose disturbances were common. These findings highlight the significant food security and health challenges faced by border area MSFW families