[Prevalence of food insecurity in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, and associated nutritional status].

A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Pelotas, Southern Brazil, to assess the prevalence of food insecurity and describe the nutritional status of family members living in this condition. The sample included 1,450 households from the urban area of Pelotas. The six questions of the Food Insecurity Scale (United States Department of Agriculture) were administered to the person in charge of preparing meals in the house. A 12-month recall period was used. If the household was considered insecure, all members were weighed and measured. Prevalence of food insecurity for all families was 11% (95%CI: 9%-13%). In families living in food insecurity, overweight and obesity were frequent; meanwhile, 21% of the children showed height deficit. The authors conclude that food insecurity results not only from quantitative limitations but also from deficient food quality.