Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on food security in early childhood

To summarize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food insecurity during early childhood, with a focus on challenges and strategies to improve access to and consumption of nutritious food in early childcare and education settings.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing gaps and inequities in the early childcare and education system, resulting in closures and decreased access to healthy foods that disproportionately impacted black, indigenous, and people of color, as well as rural and low-income communities.

Closures and changes in operational capacity not only stressed the early childcare and education system and its workforce but also contributed to financial strain and food insecurity among families with young children. Increased public investment and cross-sector partnerships can support and strengthen both early childcare and education and food systems, increasing equitable access to quality care and reducing food insecurity in early childhood.