Webb, Nikki2026-05-062026-05-062026-05-012026-05-022026-05-06http://hdl.handle.net/1993/39784Background: Food and nutrition insecurity are shaped by social determinants of health and threaten adolescent health and academic potential. Limitations in nutrition surveillance and gaps in youth-specific food security assessment tools in Canada, have restricted the understanding of how social and economic factors intersect with food and nutrition security, and academic outcomes. Objectives: 1) Establish baseline data on the food and nutrition security among Grade 9 youth in Manitoba. 2) Describe patterns of food insecurity. 3) Examine associations between food insecurity, nutrition-related behaviours and key social determinants of health linked to worsening food insecurity. 4) Assess the impact of these factors, along with mental health, on academic achievement. 5) Identify social and economic factors influencing nutrition security to inform school food and nutrition policy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Grade 9 students (n=1587) across 14 schools divisions in Manitoba (2018-2019). Students completed a web-based survey assessing food security status, diet, eating behaviours, and well-being. With parental consent, a sub-sample (n=943) were linked with administrative records via the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy. Bivariate analyses and multivariable regression models examined associations between sociodemographic factors, diet quality (Healthy Eating Index Canada), eating behaviours, mental health, food security, and academic outcomes (p<0.05). Results: Overall, 20% of participants experienced food insecurity, 70% had suboptimal diets (mean HEI-C=56/100), and 9% did not achieve sufficient academic credits. Food security was positively associated with rural residence and higher neighbourhood income, and negatively associated with northern residence, infrequent lunch and family dinners, and poorer self-reported health. Food insecurity was not independently associated with diet quality. Better nutrition was associated with being female and eating lunch at school, while poorer diets were associated with northern residence, a mental health diagnosis, poorer self-reported health, and receipt of income assistance. Food insecurity, income assistance, and non-urban residence were all negatively associated with academic achievement. Conclusion: Food and nutrition insecurity remain public health concerns for Manitoba youth. Socioeconomic and geographic disparities contribute to food insecurity and academic achievement, while overall diet quality remains low. Current interventions appear insufficient to address these issues; harmonized approaches are needed to improve youth well-being.engFood insecurityNutrition insecurityYouthManitoba Centre for Health PolicyAdministrative dataHealthy eating index-CanadaChild food security survey module