this study was developed to gain insight into what mechanisms and approaches family first clients use to maintain food security. the families first program services families in manitoba that have children who are at risk for a poor childhood. an interview survey was created in order to conduct a quantitative survey to families first clients regarding food security. food security is a determinant of health. it is a component of nutritional status and affects human development and is related to quality of life. there is an association between food insecurity and inadequate nutrition, poor mental health, childhood behaviour problems and childhood quality of life. this project is important to help families first program better serve their clients. this project could also be used for program planning and practice for health regions and public health departments. the information collected from the project could be used to inform public policy.