Eighth International Conference on Food Studies

Abstract

Malnutrition is a primary cause of child mortality and morbidity in developing countries, especially during the first five years of life. Over one-third of all child deaths within the first five years of life have an underlying cause of malnutrition. Ecuador is a country with a well-documented history of inadequate nutrition for all children but the effects of malnutrition are most pronounced in their growing, vulnerable populations living in marginal urban communities. In this study of over 300 children raised in conditions of unpredictable poverty, children suffer nutritional failures that are far above the national averages. These measurements reflect the vulnerability of children living in conditions of urban poverty in Ecuador and around the world. Anthropometric health measurements show the chronic and short-term everyday nutritional and health crises faced by 120 households in this study and how their childhood food insecurity and poverty are permanently recorded on their bodies.