Adolescence is an important developmental period associated with a need for increased nutritional requirements to foster growth and development. Chronically poor nutrition during adolescence can have negative health impacts over the lifespan and is associated with an increased risk of infections. Poor nutrition can also worsen conditions such as depression, substance abuse and sexually transmitted diseases. Homeless youth face extreme nutritional vulnerability due to chronic food deprivation and poor nutritional quality of food. Failure to facilitate more adequate food access for youth experiencing homelessness can not only impact their nutritional health, but also their social, psychological, and emotional well-being.
Gaetz, S., O’Grady, B., Buccieri, K., Karabanow, J., & Marsolais, A. (Eds.), Youth Homelessness in Canada: Implications for Policy and Practice. Toronto: Canadian Homelessness Research Network Press.