Eating on a Budget: Food and Mealtime Strategies of Low-Income Families with Young Children

Background and Significance. Much of the existing public health research on family meals has centered on mealtime structure and nutritional quality of foods served or available. However, little is known about the food and mealtime strategies, trends, and traditions used by parents and caregivers operating under high levels of poverty. To best serve those who need the most support, we must center their voices in the conversation.

Method. We conducted in-depth interviews with n = 21 parents and caregivers of pre-school aged children to better understand the trends and traditions related to food, mealtimes, and eating behaviors among families exposed to high levels of trauma and poverty. Using the ecological systems theory as the prevailing guide, questions for our semi-structured interviews were developed through results of a previous study with providers that work with our population. Analysis was conducted using MAX QDA analytic software, using an ongoing, iterative process following a systematic approach recommended for health research and capturing codes along layers of the child and family ecology.

Results. Analysis revealed four themes characterizing the importance of food and mealtimes as well as the strategies used for shopping and maintaining mealtime routines. Parents and caregivers discussed: 1)we’re just like any other family; 2) creative choices are necessary; 3) trying to keep it consistent; 4) dinnertime is our only time. Each theme has related subthemes. For the first theme, most of the caregivers were challenged with similar decisions as any family. These decisions included trying to keep meals at the same time each day and working to meet the pickiness of young eaters. Despite busy family schedules most of the respondents cooked most meals at home. The second theme centered not only around choosing certain foods – more often highly processed and easy to cook meals – but also making sure a budget was maintained. Many respondents discussed bulk shopping twice a month and utilizing specific ingredients for multiple meals a week. Given the challenges of a strict budget, transportation constraints, and picky eaters, many families were consistent in meal prep and shopping choices. This resulted in going to the same food stores, many within walking distance for those without a vehicle, or relatively close to home if driving (i.e., less than 20 minutes away). Very few families wished to shop in stores that were not within their budgets. Finally, within the fourth theme, families discussed mealtime traditions with many making sure the entire family sat for at least one meal most days which was predominantly dinner.

Conclusion. To date little is known about the food and mealtime routines of families living in concentrated poverty. Our findings suggest that despite assumptions about families living in poverty, the families in our study utilized many of the same strategies as other families with fewer financial stressors. These families also strived to maintain a consistent routine and aimed to create or keep traditions for their children.