Introduction - Food insecurity is one of the factors potentially involved in the associations between poverty and obesity, particularly among women. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of food insecurity and to analyze its association with body weight among women receiving food assistance. Methods - Food insecurity was measured using the "U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module" questionnaire administered during face-to-face interviews as part of the 2011–2012 Abena study, which allowed for the assessment of food insecurity among households, the women themselves, and their dependent children. The mean body mass index (BMI) and prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) among women were compared across food insecurity categories, adjusting for age. Results - Among the 972 women included in these analyses, "moderate" food insecurity was present in 31.4% of households headed by women relying on food aid, and "severe" food insecurity in 43.4% of them. The presence of dependent children was associated with a higher level of food insecurity, independent of other factors studied. Among women with children, 34.8% reported “moderate” food insecurity for their children, and 8.2% reported “severe” food insecurity. Although not statistically significant, the average BMI of the women and the prevalence of obesity tended to be higher with increasing levels of food insecurity, particularly when the insecurity affected their children. Conclusion - Despite the food aid received, food insecurity remains widespread among women who use these facilities. Its long-term consequences, particularly on their health and that of their children, still need to be clarified. [author’s abstract]