Introduction
Food insecurity is defined as a socioeconomic situation that leads to limited or uncertain access to the nutritious food necessary to maintain a healthy and active life (1). Food insecurity is a significant public health problem and is associated with unhealthy dietary habits and chronic diseases (2–4). Several studies have shown that food insecurity is associated with unhealthy dietary patterns, including reduced intake of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, and increased intake of energy-dense foods (2, 3). These unhealthy dietary habits are common among food insecure households and may mediate the association between food insecurity and health.
Maria João Gregório, Ana M. Rodrigues, Pedro Graça, Rute Dinis de Sousa, Sara S. Dias, Jaime C. Branco and Helena Canhão