Diverse Parents’ Perception of the Impact of COVID-19 on Their Families’ Experience of Food Security

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted food insecurity and to identify food assistance interventions that should be sustained post-COVID-19, as recommended by racially/ethnically diverse caregivers from multiple food security statuses. Qualitative interviews were conducted virtually with mothers (n = 40) during March-May 2021 in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. Study results suggest that emergency interventions developed during COVID-19 (e.g. Pandemic EBT, SNAP expansions) have been beneficial in improving families’ access to food. However, more research is needed to understand the various barriers that exist in making food more accessible for families most at risk of experiencing food insecurity.