Conceptualising household food insecurity in Northern Ireland: risk factors, implications for society and the economy, and recommendations for business and policy response

Emma Beacom,Lynsey Hollywood,Paul Humphreys,Sinéad Furey

doi:10.1007/s43546-021-00070-9

Emma Beacom, Lynsey Hollywood + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s43546-021-00070-9

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Abstract

Household food insecurity in developed nations has been identified as a significant public health concern. Although various research on the topic exists, such as contributors to food insecurity, and implications for individual physical and mental health outcomes; there is currently a lack of consideration as to how individual implications of food insecurity such as poor physical and mental health can consequently impact on business and the wider economy. In addition, there is a lack of conceptual literature related to food insecurity. Stakeholder interviews (n = 19) were conducted, and data were used to inform the conceptual model (risk factors, potential implications for individuals, the economy and business, and opportunities for business and policy response). The main suggested implications related to business and the economy were reduced contribution to the workforce and the economy, and increased cost pressures on the National Health Service. Business responses suggested included the inclusion of initiatives to address food insecurity in corporate social responsibility strategies, and further involvement of food businesses/retailers in redistributing surplus food. Policy responses suggested included policies relating to welfare, wages and work contracts, food redistribution incentives, sustainability, and community interventions in disadvantaged areas. The resulting model is unique in conceptualising food insecurity in the Northern Ireland context, with applicability to the UK and other developed nations.

Highlights

Prior identified categories for the model according to previous conceptual models and gaps in the literature were household risk factors; implications of food insecurity for individuals; implications of food insecurity for business; and opportunities for policy/government response
The results from the study were themed into the following categories: household risk factors, external threats, individual level short-term implications, individual level longterm outcomes, potential macroeconomic and business implications, opportunities for policy response, and opportunities for business response
The conceptual model emanating from this research provides a contribution to the theoretical literature in this field by providing a schematic overview of the relationship between household food insecurity, individual implications, macroeconomic implications, and opportunities for business and policy to respond

Summary

Introduction

Food insecurity, defined as “the lack of consistent access to adequate amounts of food” (Balistreri 2016, p. 373), has been identified as an increasing concern in the United Kingdom (UK) and other nations worldwide, presenting various implications for individuals’ physical and mental health, and ability to participate in societal norms (Garthwaite et al 2015; Jessiman-Perreault and McIntyre 2017; O’Connell et al 2019).A variety of research on the topic exists, such as studies on predictors of food insecurity (e.g. Loopstra et al 2019), how food insecurity is experienced (e.g. Heflin 2016), associated health outcomes (e.g. Ramsey et al 2012), and studies appraising measurement approaches (e.g. Tanaka et al 2020). This model was informed by empirical research with low-income households in the UK which aimed to examine the relationship between nutrition and poverty (Dowler 1996). It focuses on both the macro-environment, and the household/individual level and displays various factors which can affect household food consumption. Dowler and Dobson present a model of household food security, which is achieved when all the factors in the model align to provide consumers with the ability to access adequate foods of their choosing. Dowler and Dobson present a model of household food security, which is achieved when all the factors in the model align to provide consumers with the ability to access adequate foods of their choosing. Dowler and Dobson’s (1997) model does not identify individual characteristics which make households more susceptible to food insecurity, nor does it consider

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