Abstract
Issue addressedVulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by food insecurity, resulting in heightened risk of suboptimal dietary intake. Food insecure people appear to implement several coping strategies and dietary compromises to avoid hunger. Less explored in the literature is how these strategies impact consumption of food inside and outside of the home.MethodsAn online survey was completed by adults (n = 1292) residing in one of five Australian states. The questionnaire comprised of the six‐item US Household Food Security Survey Module, 12 socio‐demographic variables and 32 questions related to elements of food literacy.ResultsFood insecure respondents were more likely to frequent fast food vs (P = .002), takeaway (P < .001) and food courts (P < .001) than their food secure counterparts. Food secure respondents reported greater use of raw (P = .043) and fresh, pre‐prepared produce (P = .002) when cooking, whereas food insecure respondents were more likely to prepare food using only frozen, pre‐packaged products (P < .001). No significant differences were found between food security status and the enjoyment and social bonding derived from cooking.ConclusionsFood insecure respondents appeared to be accessing a poorer quality of food through greater consumption of takeaway and fast food. These dietary compromises are most likely related to perceived financial, time or cooking facility constraints and to a lesser extent food literacy skills.So what?This study highlights some of the health and social inequities apparent within food insecure populations. Food insecure households should be supported to access healthy fresh food and in‐home cooking practices. While a multi strategy approach is required, healthy food environment policy, particularly in disadvantaged areas, should be considered to guarantee that all Australians have dignified access to nutritious food.
Highlights
Food insecurity is a complex or ‘wicked problem representing a significant public health, economic and social policy concern.[1]
Our findings suggest that food insecure respondents were more likely to consider speed of service and convenience as important aspects of dining out facilities when compared to their food secure counterparts
In support of the notion that reliance on prepared foods may not be entirely related to food literacy knowledge, we found no significant difference in the time spent on meal preparation between the food secure and insecure groups
Summary
Food insecurity is a complex or ‘wicked problem representing a significant public health, economic and social policy concern.[1]. A study of adults residing in disadvantaged suburbs of Brisbane, Australia reported food insecurity was associated with more frequent hamburger consumption, but no other takeaway foods.[14] A more significant relationship between food insecurity and takeaway intake was evident in participants of a Western Australian food literacy program.[7] Lower self-reported cooking skills and healthy food preparation in food insecure participants was another finding of the[7] study. Canadian research found no difference in cooking abilities between food secure and insecure groups.[15] Presently, there is no consensus whether a relationship between food security and cooking skills or dining out (including takeaway consumption) practices exists, while cooking motivators have not been explored. The objectives in this study were to examine if food security status was related to difference in[1] dining out—selected frequency and type of ready to eat foods purchased, and[2] dining in—food preparation behaviours and motivators in homes
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