Food Insecurity and coping strategies among Senior citizens in Lubbock, Texas.

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study measured food insecurity among seniors (≥50 years) in the Lubbock area and self‐reported coping strategies used during periods of food insecurity in Lubbock, Texas.MethodsThis was a cross sectional study conducted in seven senior service providers (4 senior centers, one senior live in community, one volunteer group and meals on wheels participants). The demography (education, ethnicity and income), food insecurity (validated household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS)) and the reported coping strategies for food sufficiency were assessed using open ended questions administered during a face‐to‐face interview in the centers/households.ResultsAmong the seniors (N=186 seniors), 82 (44.1%) were males and the rest were females. About a third (62 (33.3%) were married, 63(33.9%) were widowed/widowed and the rest were either divorced, single or living with a partner. About a quarter (24.2%) were Hispanic/latino, 22.6% were black/African Americans, 49.5% were non‐Hispanic white and the rest were Asian/Alaskan white. Only 57 (30.6%) had college education and more. According to the HFIAS 20 (10.8 %) reported severe food insecurity. Some (42 (22.6%) reported their participation in the SNAP program, 30(16.1%) participate in the food bank program and 15 (8.1%) of them participate in both programs. Majority 149 (79.0%) mainly depended on their social security funds while the rest depended on part time jobs (1.9%), full time jobs (1.9%) or on bonds or loans. A quarter 47 (25.3%) of the participants knew other seniors who had food insecurity issues.ConclusionSenior years are characterized by reduced income due to retirement. A tenth of seniors experienced very severe food insecurity. Reported coping strategies included the participation in the SNAP or South plains food bank program.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported with Prof. Oldewage‐Theron's Start‐up grants