In this free in-person Cambridge Festival talk, Dr Cara Ruggiero & Dr Marie Spreckley of the University of Cambridge share insights from the SPROUT study into the impacts of food insecurity during the first 1,000 days of life.

When: 26 March 2026, 6 PM

Where: Old Divinity School, St John’s College, Cambridge CB2 1TP

Register to attend this event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-cost-of-living-crisis-and-the-first-1000-days-of-life-tickets-1865386123109

Overview

Come join us for this Cambridge Festival event at the Old Divinity School, St John’s College, where Dr Cara Ruggiero and Dr Marie Spreckley of the University of Cambridge will share insights from the Supporting Parental Responsive feeding for Optimal Understanding of Thriving Child Development (SPROUT) study.

Food insecurity affects 26% of UK households with children and is associated with childhood obesity. Among children aged 4-5 years, obesity prevalence in the most deprived areas is more than double that in the least deprived areas.

The first 1,000 days of life represent a critical period for preventing obesity and promoting healthy growth. Responsive feeding, defined as parents’ perception, interpretation, and appropriate response to child hunger and fullness cues, supports appetite regulation and healthy development. However, food insecurity may increase the likelihood of nonresponsive feeding practices.

SPROUT is being conducted in partnership with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Healthy Child Programme. This presentation will discuss the lived experiences of parents and healthcare professionals to identify challenges surrounding food insecurity and infant feeding practices.

Findings from this study have the potential to continue the conversation to inform health visiting practice, public health guidance, and policy, ensuring that approaches are contextually relevant and feasible for families experiencing economic hardship.