Background: Stunting is a form of malnutrition that remains a health problem globally. Household food insecurity is associated with poor dietary diversity. This condition is correlated with children experiencing inadequate nutrition and is linked to higher stunting rates. This study aimed to analyze the association between household food insecurity and the stunting incidence among infants aged 6-23 months in Jember Regency.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 211 families who had infants aged 6-23 months using a total sampling method. The level of food insecurity was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), while the infants’ anthropometry was measured using a digital baby scale and length board.

Results: Among 211 households, 92.4% of families were household food insecure, with 55.5% experiencing moderate food insecurity. The stunting incidence was classified into two mutually exclusive categories, where 63% of infants were considered moderately stunted and 34% were considered severely stunted. The Chi-Square test indicated that household food insecurity was significantly associated with the stunting incidence (χ2 = 9.853; p-value = 0.020). Compared to food-secure households, infants from severely food-insecure households had higher odds of being stunted (OR = 1.782; 95% CI = 0.575-5.525). However, because the confidence interval includes 1, the specific risk estimate for this subgroup lacks strict statistical precision despite the overall significant association.

Conclusion: Household food insecurity is associated with stunting among infants aged 6-23 months. Therefore, this study recommends that families utilize local resources to reduce dependency on expensive food while meeting infants’ nutritional needs.