Examining Sociodemographic Factors, Food Insecurity and Obesity of Food Pantry Clients in Alaska: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Food insecurity continues to be high despite the increasing use of emergency food assistance. Research shows that food insecurity among food pantry clients is over 50–70%. Despite the high rates, there remains the paradox of people who are both food insecure and obese. Limited research has examined links between obesity, food insecurity, and food pantry clients. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between food security, weight, and sociodemographic factors of clients at the largest food pantry in Alaska. On-site surveys were completed with 148 clients between February and March of 2018. Descriptive statistics, chi-square models, and a multivariate logistic regression were used to describe participants and determine any associations. Alaska food pantry clients are primarily over 45 years old, work at least part time, and make less than $25,000 per year. A majority of participants (n = 148) were either overweight or obese (69.6%) and food insecure (88.4%). No significant associations were found between weight and food security status. Despite the lack of statistical significance, results help understand pantry clients’ demographic, food security, and weight status. Providing emergency food assistance and addressing underlying causes of food insecurity or obesity, such as the ability to access healthy food, are needed first steps.