Differences in Community Stakeholders’ Perceived Barriers and Needs to Improve Food Security for Families With Children Under 3 Years Before and During COVID-19

Abstract

ObjectivesTo explore the perceived barriers and needs of different types of community stakeholders regarding services and resources to improve food security for families with children under 3 years before and during COVID-19. MethodsCommunity stakeholders (n = 32) working with low-income families with children ages 0–3 years in Florida participated in a 60-minute interview via Zoom. Participants included those working in healthcare (n = 7), community/policy development (n = 6), emergency food assistance (n = 6), early childhood development (n = 7), and nutrition education (n = 6). Trained researchers conducted interviews using a semi-structured script based on the PRECEDE component of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Crosstab qualitative analysis was used to compare data across different types of stakeholders. ResultsOverall barriers to providing resources and services to improve food security in families with children under 3 years included community individuals’ lack of knowledge of available resources and the stigma associated with applying for benefits. When further exploring these barriers by type of stakeholder, before COVID-19, early childhood and nutrition educators reported a lack of social marketing and community engagement as key barriers to providing resources and services while emergency food assistance providers stated limited funding restrictions. Community/policy development providers also expressed lack of community buy-in and motivation as their primary barriers. Stakeholders stated that while existing barriers remained, new challenges emerged due to COVID-19. Early childhood and nutrition education providers reported individuals’ lack of knowledge and access to technology as the main barrier, while healthcare and community/policy development providers reported fear of COVID-19 exposure and new safety protocols. Emergency food providers reported a lack of knowledge in accessing resources or services. ConclusionsUnderstanding pre-existing and emerging barriers to improving food security in households with young children can guide the development of effective policies and practices relevant to different types of stakeholders. Funding SourcesNone.