Children less than 5 years worldwide are known to be vulnerable and susceptible in many aspects of life. Malnutrition among children remains one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. In Uganda, malnutrition is one of the most serious public health problem and the biggest in the world. The objective of this study was to assess household food security and nutrition situation and associated factors in Apoi subcounty Apac district. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 120 households with the index child aged 6-59 months. Data was collected through qualitative and quantitative approaches using pretested semi-structured questionnaires and focused group discussion guides. Random sampling was used to sample households. Nutritional status was analyzed using weight-for-age, weight-for-height and height-forage z-scores of WHO (2006) and mid-upper arm circumference. Food coping strategies and socio-economic status were analyzed using the ideas discussed from the focused group discussions SPSS Nutrisurvey, ENA for SMART software were used for data analysis. The mean household size was with Male-headed households were 30% and women headed were 70. The main source of household income was casual labor and 75% of that income was spent on food. About 90% of households lived below one dollar per capita income per day. The mean household dietary diversity score was 6.2(SD=0.9) with 98% of households consuming more than 4 food groups. Global and severe acute malnutrition prevalence were 5.1 % and 0.5% respectively. Underweight and stunting prevalence were 14.2% and 30% respectively. Majority of the households used unsafe water. Morbidity experiences were high with acute respiratory infections being most prevalent followed by febrile illness and diarrhea. Increase in income was associated with increase in household dietary diversity (p<0.05). Larger households were more food insecure than smaller households (p<0.01). No individual measure captured all dimensions of food security and a suite of indicators are used to cover the different dimensions of food security. Although the dietary diversity in Apoi is high, it does not translate into adequate nutrient intake in the households probably because the amounts are inadequate. Using the food record, majority of the households are food insecure while acute and chronic malnutrition is at alert and serious levels respectively. Furthermore, food security and economic growth do not necessarily translate to improved nutrition. Therefore, a multispectral approach that will address household dynamics, health and sanitation is necessary to improve nutritional status in Apac district Conclusion. This study indicated that child malnutrition was high among children below 5 years of age. Large family size had inadequate meals compared to smaller families.

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