Food Insecurity Among People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Scoping Review

Food insecurity disproportionately impacts people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PWIDD) and their families. This scoping review explores food insecurity in this population, considering prevalence estimates and disparities, consequences, risk factors, and protective factors. A systematic search identified 21 relevant sources. Food insecurity was consistently reported at higher levels among PWIDD compared to those without disabilities across sources. Consequences include worsened nutritional challenges, diagnosis-specific behavioral changes, and caregiver emotional distress. Risk factors such as household characteristics, systemic barriers, and the extra cost of disability exacerbate vulnerability, while protective factors like robust service delivery systems, public safety net programs, and caregiver support mitigate risks. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, inclusive policies, and further research to address food insecurity and improve health outcomes for PWIDD.