Associations between Food Insecurity and Executive Functioning among Caregivers in Rural Vermont
Robie, Katie
Robie, Katie
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Abstract
In the United States, food insecurity affects 17% of households with children. Beyond its nutritional consequences, limited access to food may influence executive functioning skills. This could be due to cognitive resources being devoted to scarcity-related issues, like acquiring food for their household. However, few studies have examined the effect of food insecurity on executive functioning. To address this gap, the current study investigates whether fluctuations in food-insecure individuals devote more attention to scarcity-related issues, potentially resulting in worse executive functioning. Data were drawn from a 2021 study that included 61 Vermont caregivers with children aged 6-12 who experienced food insecurity in the past month. Caregivers� experience of food insecurity and cognitive functioning were assessed during a baseline visit and then weekly for five weeks. Impulsive-decision making was assessed using two versions of a Delay Discounting Task, using food and monetary rewards. Problem-solving was assessed using the Solving Anagrams Task, working memory was assessed using the Sternberg Memory Task, and processing speed and cognitive flexibility was assessed using the Stroop Task. Additionally, global cognitive functioning as measured by Raven�s Progressive Matrices (RPM) was included as a covariate. Results from multi-level models showed that caregivers with higher average levels of food insecurity demonstrated less impulsive decision-making, especially with regard to food-based rewards. Notably, there was no association between food insecurity and performance on the other executive function tasks, which did not relate to food. In addition, weekly fluctuations in food insecurity did not correspond with fluctuations in executive functioning. Raven�s Progressive Matrices (RPM) showed consistent positive associations with task performance. Overall, more severe levels of food insecurity were associated with less impulsive decision-making related to food, but not other domains of executive functioning. This could be due to the participants� lived experience of having uncertain access to food and having to ration the food they have. Additionally, caregivers may be more adept at directing their attention towards resources that are scarce. The results also showed that executive function did not fluctuate in response to weekly changes in food, suggesting that the impact of food insecurity on cognition may be more enduring even when food insecurity subsides, which could have lasting mental health implications for individuals who have experienced food insecurity.
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Date
1/1/2026
Student Status
Senior (Graduating in 2026)
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Poster
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Psychological Science
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College of Arts and Sciences
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Social Science