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Influence of leadership on the systematic identification of child food insecurity in schools
Author(s) -
Fishbein Eliza M.,
Fram Maryah S.,
Frongillo Edward A.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.1054.1
Subject(s) - food insecurity , identification (biology) , foundation (evidence) , psychology , food security , political science , geography , agriculture , archaeology , biology , botany , law
Many of the more than 20% of US children living in a food‐insecure household experience hunger, and currently there is no system to identify these children. Schools are existing systems that could be used for identification because they already confront and respond to food insecurity. This research examined how school leadership influenced whether or how schools could systematically identify children who are food‐insecure. In 3 elementary and middle schools in one school district, we assessed among key actors current practices and attitudes towards food issues, challenges, and leadership. All students (n=763) participated in an assessment about their experiences related to food insecurity. Follow‐up in‐depth interviews with children who affirmed food insecurity guided responses by the schools to resolve the problem through a regular take‐home backpack of food and/or linking the family to other resources. We found that collaborative school leadership promoted buy‐in and ownership from all actors. Top‐down leadership promoted buy‐in but limited ownership, and disinterested leadership allowed individual beliefs to determine practices. School systems provide a scalable way to identify children who are food‐insecure that can contribute to ending child hunger. Funded by Nord Family Foundation. Grant Funding Source : Nord Family Foundation