Sept. 4 | Isabelle Panza & Dr. Sara Siddiqui

The Correlation with Brain Development and Food

Ensuring that children receive proper nutrition is not just about filling their stomachs—it’s about fueling their minds. Dr. Sara Siddiqui, a respected pediatrician and a dedicated member of the Long Island Cares Board of Directors, emphasizes that adequate nutrition is critical for child brain development, particularly during the early years of life. With over 65,000 children on Long Island facing food insecurity, the effects on cognitive development are a growing concern. In our conversation, Dr. Siddiqui shared insights into the challenges food-insecure children face and how Long Island Cares is making a significant impact by providing nutritious meals, reducing stress, and fostering healthy growth and development.

How does food insecurity affect a child’s cognitive development, and what specific challenges do you see on Long Island?

Children require adequate healthy nutrition in all phases of growth to ensure proper development. Healthy nutritional intake is especially crucial during the first few years of life when the brain is rapidly developing. Throughout childhood it is essential to maintain health by having proper nutrition for full brain growth. Chronic stress associated with food insecurity can alter brain development, affecting areas related to emotion regulation, executive function, and stress response. Food insecurity in early childhood can lead to long-term cognitive deficits and mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. Food insecurity is also linked to poor academic outcomes, including lower test scores, higher absenteeism, and increased likelihood of grade repetition.

Approximately 234,000 Long Islanders, including 65,000 children, face food insecurity, which are astounding numbers in an area that most feel has high income brackets. In addition, Long Island’s very high cost of living leads to nearly 40% of food-insecure households earning too much to qualify for nutrition assistance programs but not enough to meet basic needs. This can lead to increased number of families reliance on food banks like Long Island Cares to meet the needs of children.

In your experience, how has Long Island Cares made a difference in providing nutritious food to children in need, and what impact does this have on their cognitive growth?

Long Island Cares provides healthy nutritious meals to those that may be food insecure in a way that maintains choice and dignity. The satellite pantries allow for a grocery store-type experience where patrons can shop for what is needed. In 2023, Long Island Cares distributed over 14 million pounds of food to those in need. The organization assisted approximately 157,000 Long Islanders through its food pantries. Initiatives like the weekend Aspara’Gus’ Breakfast Food Truck and Mobile Food Truck provides fresh fruits, vegetables and essential nutrition to children, helping to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Optimizing nutrition leads to maximal growth and development and reducing stress so children can thrive and succeed.

How can community members and local organizations collaborate with Long Island Cares to ensure that all children have access to the nutrition they need for healthy brain development?

In my pediatric practice, routine screening tools are used to identify children and families that may be food insecure. Referring children and families from the medical home to services that are needed is essential. Long Island Cares has many programs assisting children and families providing nutritious meals at after-school programs.

Community members and local organizations can collaborate to ensure that these programs are reaching all schools that are in need. Medical providers and offices may also wish to partner with Long Island Cares to provide emergency food bags and resources that are available.

Children are especially at risk during the summer as they may not have access to food as they do during the school year. School districts are encourage to partner with Long Island Cares as we have satellite locations throughout Long Island and can partner to bring food and services to areas of need. All children deserve to have the basic tenets of nutritional needs met to ensure healthy growth and development.

I love that Long Island Cares brings healthy nutritious options to children that are food insecure. The many programs to help children like Pack it Up for Kids, Kids Cafe, Children’s Mobile Breakfast Food Truck, Just say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables, and Summer Food Service Program are essential to keeping kids healthy and fed.

Reaching out to schools, and communities via mobile food trucks and food pantries is essential in fighting the root causes of hunger and ensuring our children thrive and avoid challenges occurring from food insecurity.