Food Insecure Populations Research Articles

Risk perception and resource scarcity in food procurement during the early outbreak of COVID-19

ObjectivesThe retail food industry, a major essential business, is among the very few thriving sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, such prosperity on the store side does not guarantee a sufficient food supply for all populations. This study aims to understand if people's risk perception and food security status shaped their food procurement behaviors during the early outbreak of the pandemic. Study designExtended from the theory of risk perception, food consumers may behave differently during a disastrous event in terms of store patronization. The study evaluates how food procurement behaviors are affected by perceived risk aversion, resource scarcity, and consumers’ food security status. MethodsThe study examines how people with different food security statuses made grocery shopping decisions at the risk of epidemic exposure based on a nationwide survey of 2590 participants in the U.S. during the early break of the pandemic in April 2020. The study uses a moderated mediation analysis on in-store shopping frequency and food expenditure. ResultsPeople having a food-secure status before the pandemic spent significantly more as a result of the reduced shopping frequency (i.e., the secure-insecure subgroup β = −0.18, P < .01; the secure-secure subgroup β = −0.35, P < .01). The increase in food expenditure was insignificant for people who were food-insecure before the pandemic (i.e., the insecure-insecure subgroup, β = −0.01, P > .05; the insecure-secure subgroup, β = −0.11, P > .05). ConclusionsThe study reports that in general people reduced the frequency of grocery shopping trips to avoid epidemic exposure while increasing the food expenditure per trip. The increase in food expenditure was not statistically significant among the food-insecure populations likely due to their budget constraints.

Food Insecurity in an Urban Pregnancy Cohort.

Food insecurity is a prominent problem and has been implicated in adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study aims to describe the food insecure population in an urban academic health center perinatal cohort. We enrolled 451 postpartum inpatients at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who completed a questionnaire and were then categorized as food insecure based on U.S. Department of Agriculture standardized survey questions. Generalized linear models estimated the relative influence of maternal characteristics on food insecurity. Among the study population (n = 426), 18.6% (95% confidence interval: 15.2-22.4%) were classified as food insecure. Factors with increased adjusted relative risk on food insecurity include annual household income <$40,000, obesity, and smoking. Food insecure women also reported lower levels of love, satisfaction, and joy, and higher levels of despair. We recommend the use of a validated screening tool on all pregnant women with the associated psychosocial stressors and social determinants of health. · Food insecurity is prevalent among pregnant women.. · Nearly one in five women (18.6%) in the study cohort were classified as food insecure.. · Food insecure pregnant women were more likely to have additional risks for adverse health outcomes..

Association between food insecurity and depression among older adults from low- and middle-income countries.

To examine the association between self-reported food insecurity and depression in 34,129 individuals aged ≥50 years from six low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa). Cross-sectional, community-based, nationally representative data from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) were analyzed. Self-reported past 12-month food insecurity was assessed with two questions on frequency of eating less and hunger due to lack of food. Questions based on the World Mental Health Survey version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview were used for the endorsement of past 12-month DSM-IV depression. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and meta-analysis were conducted to assess associations. In total, 34,129 individuals aged ≥50 years [mean (SD) age, 62.4 (16.0) years; 52.1% females] were included in the analysis. Overall, the prevalence of moderate and severe food insecurity was 6.7% and 5.1%, respectively, while the prevalence of depression was 6.0%. Meta-analyses based on countrywise estimates showed that overall, moderate food insecurity (vs. no food insecurity) is associated with a nonsignificant 1.69 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.82-3.48) times higher odds for depression, while severe food insecurity is significantly associated with 2.43 (95% CI = 1.65-3.57) times higher odds for depression. In this large representative sample of older adults from six LMICs, those with severe food insecurity were over two times more likely to suffer from depression (compared with no food insecurity). Utilizing lay health counselors and psychological interventions may be effective mechanisms to reduce depression among food-insecure populations. Interventions to address food insecurity (e.g., supplemental nutrition programs) may reduce depression at the population level but future longitudinal studies are warranted.

Nimble in a pandemic: Lessons learned from Concrete Jungle's grocery delivery program

As a leader in Atlanta’s fresh produce supply chain for people with limited access to fruits and vegetables, Concrete Jungle (CJ) has established a robust network of partnerships with food and social service community organizations to support Atlanta’s food-insecure population. Founded in 2009, CJ is an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization that coordinates approximately 1,700 volunteers annually to pick produce within the city and across Georgia and delivers it to community food distribution partners. CJ staff and volunteers also lead healthy food recipe demonstrations. To date, CJ has picked 158,292 pounds (633,169 servings) of produce within Atlanta and across Georgia.

Factors related to poor diet quality in food insecure populations.

It is well-known that consumption of nutrient-rich foods, especially fruits and vegetables, are low among food insecure populations. While cost is an important reason for these inadequate diets, underlying factors such as poor food purchase and management behaviors, and low levels of psychosocial factors that motivate dietary improvements, may exacerbate food insufficiency among the food-insecure. In this analysis, we examine these underlying factors across food-secure and food-insecure populations in Texas. Data on self-reported food insecurity, dietary practices, behaviors related to food purchase and management, and psychosocial factors related to food were obtained from a survey administered to a convenience sample of SNAP-eligible adults (n = 1,171) ages 18 and older, drawn from multiple low-income areas across the state of Texas in 2018 over two survey rounds. Mixed linear regression models adjusting for zip code as a random effect were used to compare mediators of diet across food-insecure and food-secure participants. Using the binary categories defined by the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module scale 753 participants (64.3% of the sample collected) were classified as food insecure. Food insecure participants had notably unhealthier diet profiles, with significantly lower (p < .001) frequency and average serving size of fruit and vegetable consumption. They were also less likely to use food labels to make food choices (p < .001), and to cook a meal at home (p = .008). In contrast, differences across food secure and food insecure households in planning meals before going shopping, and making lists were much smaller. Finally, levels of various psychosocial precursors of healthy eating were also lower among food insecure participants, including self-efficacy for healthy eating (p = .014), self-efficacy to plan meals with vegetables (p = .048), and stage of change of fruit and vegetable consumption (p < .001). Overall, eating habits, specific food procurement and preparation practices, and levels of psychosocial precursors of healthy eating are significantly poorer among food insecure populations compared with food-secure low-income participants. Our results point to specific behaviors that can be targeted in educational and skill building interventions seeking to address poor dietary practices among the food insecure.

Female sex and food insecurity in relation to self-reported poor or fair mental health in Canadian adults: a cross-sectional study using national survey data.

Background:Women with food insecurity are at higher risk for mental health disorders. This study examined the joint effect of female sex and food insecurity on self-reported poor or fair mental health in Canadian adults.Methods:The analysis was based on data from adults (age ≥ 18 yr) who participated in the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) 2015–2016. We determined past-year food security level (secure, moderately insecure or severely insecure) based on 18 questions. We used log-binomial regression to explore associations of sex and food insecurity with self-reported poor or fair mental health. We measured additive interaction between female sex and food insecurity using relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI).Results:The overall response rate for the CCHS was 59.5%. Data for 61 446 respondents were analyzed. Poor or fair mental health was reported by 4107 participants (6.1% when weighted to the Canadian population). Increased risk of poor or fair mental health was associated with female sex (prevalence ratio [PR] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12 to 1.31), and moderate (PR 2.50, 95% CI 2.21 to 2.82) and severe (PR 4.03, 95% CI 3.59 to 4.52) food insecurity. Significant additive interaction between female sex and severe food insecurity was found for those aged 40–64 years (RERI 1.38, 95% CI 0.29 to 2.47), and the PR for poor or fair mental health for severely food-insecure women was 5.55 (95% CI 4.48 to 6.89) compared to food-secure men of the same age group.Interpretation:Poor or fair mental health is common in the food-insecure population, and there exists synergism between female sex and severe food insecurity among middle-aged people. This suggests the need to develop targeted mental health support strategies for food-insecure people, specifically middle-aged women.

Conflict and Climate: Drivers of Fire Activity in Syria in the Twenty-First Century

AbstractIt has been 10 years since the start of the Syrian uprisings. While relative stability is improving overall, a new disaster, wildfires, impacted an already food-insecure population by burning through key production areas, damaging crops, soil, and livestock and causing air quality to deteriorate. As observed with remotely sensed data, fire affected 4.8% of Syria in 2019, as compared with the average 0.2%, and most fires were observed within agricultural land in the northeast. Abnormal amounts of rainfall during the 2019 growing season and, consequently, high soil moisture explained about 62% of the drastic increase in the burned area extent. In contrast, in 2020, fires continued despite the average amount of rainfall. Extremely high temperature could partially explain a 10-fold increase in the extent of burned area in 2020 but only within forested regions in the northwest. We argue that the abrupt changes in Syria’s fire activity were driven by the complex interactions among conflict, migration, land use, and climate. On one side, the ongoing conflict leads to a drastic increase in the number of accidental and deliberate fires and reduced capacity for fire response. On the other side, years of insecurity, widespread displacement, and economic instability left no choice for locals other than exploiting fires to remove natural vegetation for expanding farming, logging, and charcoal trading. The loss of agricultural production and natural vegetation to fire can have serious implications for food security, soil property, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, which can further exacerbate the already unstable economy and make ongoing violence even more intense.

Covid-19 impact on Zimbabwean agricultural supply chains and markets: A sustainable livelihoods perspective

The purpose of the article is to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on the agricultural supply chains and markets in Zimbabwe and subsequent effect on livelihoods. The research methodology that was applied is a systematic literature survey anchored on inductive research approach. This article is based on the systematic review of secondary data sources, such as journals, policy reports, as well as reports from national and international organizations. The review involved a predetermined and comprehensive approach of searching, analyzing and synthesizing extant literature on agricultural supply chains. In general, the pandemic has affected the whole supply chain from the food production systems and input supply, the storage and distribution, processing and packaging as well as the retail and marketing aspect. The research showed that the COVID-19 pandemic severely threatens an already critical food security situation arising mainly from the prevailing poor macroeconomic conditions and consecutive years of drought in Zimbabwe. This has led to a higher than previously anticipated food insecure population, especially in urban centers. Over 70% of the workers are self-employed and a vast majority operate in the informal sector. The informally employed represent a significant breadwinner constituency, whose dependents comprise vulnerable sections of the populace. The restrictions on mobility and the closure of borders meant immediate loss of employment and income. The study revisited the previous viruses such as Ebola to extrapolate though marginally, the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using secondary sources and the general agriculture supply chain to guide understanding, the findings show that unless measures are put in place to safeguard farmers especially smallholder activities in Zimbabwe, COVID-19 has the potential to reproduce the same catastrophic implications created by Ebola in West Africa countries where peasant food systems where shattered and livelihoods strategies maimed.

A special issue addressing healthful food access and food insecurity: risk factors, behavioral variables, interventions, and measurement.

This article introduces a special issue in Translational Behavioral Medicine that focuses on translational aspects of food insecurity research. The purpose of this special issue was to add to the evidence base to inform short- and intermediate-term intervention development and implementation and to spark additional future discourse around these important topics. The special issue included 12 articles and 2 commentaries roughly evenly split across four topic areas, including subpopulation food insecurity risk factors; food behaviors and psychosocial variables; implementation and/or evaluation of food insecurity interventions; and food insecurity-related measurement issues. The articles in this special issue offer a number of contributions to the translational literature specific to food insecurity. They add to our understanding that depression, stress, and social isolation (sometimes related to language barriers) may play a large role in individuals' food insecurity experience. The articles explored the differences between food insecure and food secure households in relation to food and grocery shopping behaviors, and nutritional self-efficacy. In addition, authors described the implementation and/or efficacy of interventions meant to promote healthful diets and food access among food insecure populations. And finally, several studies explored current measurement issues such as intra-household subjectivity, disconnect between perceived and objective measures of food access, and a need for more holistic and nutrition-focused measurement approaches. While there are deeper systemic factors driving food insecurity, the findings provided in this special issue can help guide those addressing the current challenges faced by food insecure households that struggle to achieve healthful diets.

Food expenditures and consumption by food bank clients in Silicon Valley

Food insecurity is a pervasive problem in the United States and it is particularly acute in high cost areas. This study focuses on the diets and food expenditures of food bank clients in two Northern California counties located in what is commonly known as Silicon Valley. The results indicate that the study group spent 27% more than the federal government’s Thrifty Food Plan, but consumed a lower amount of fruits, vegetables, protein, and dairy than what is needed for a healthy diet. Policies that encourage better nutrition and more balanced diets at affordable prices and which take into account the living and transportation situations of food insecure populations are needed to address these issues.

The global divide in data-driven farming

Big data and mobile technology are widely claimed to be global disruptive forces in agriculture that benefit small-scale farmers. Yet the access of small-scale farmers to this technology is poorly understood. We show that only 24–37% of farms of <1 ha in size are served by third generation (3G) or 4G services, compared to 74–80% of farms of >200 ha in size. Furthermore, croplands with severe yield gaps, climate-stressed locations and food-insecure populations have poor service coverage. Across many countries in Africa, less than ~40% of farming households have Internet access, and the cost of data remains prohibitive. We recommend a digital inclusion agenda whereby governments, the development community and the private sector focus their efforts to improve access so that data-driven agriculture is available to all farmers globally.

To dine in or not to dine in: A comparison of food selection and preparation behaviours in those with and without food security.

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.

Wild alternatives: Accounting for and rethinking the relationship between wild game and food security in Appalachian food systems

The relationship between wild food and food security among human populations is under researched, particularly in the Global North. Much of the food security research does not account for food provisioning from hunting and foraging despite the prevalence of such practices in human communities. Here we explore the significance of wild big game harvesting in one of the most economically and food insecure states in the United States, West Virginia. We analyzed harvest data of large mammal species hunted in West Virginia from 2012 to 2017 and compare these data to domesticated meat raised and commercially processed within the state. We also compare the game harvest of West Virginia to the harvests of its five neighboring states; Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, and Maryland. Lastly, we analyzed the potential of these harvests to feed food insecure populations in each state. In West Virginia, we estimate that approximately 10 million pounds of game is harvested each year, a figure that significantly exceeds the domesticated red meat raised and processed within the state by 25% annually. The per capita big game harvest in West Virginia was significantly higher than that of all neighboring states and was enough to provide nearly 40% of the state's food insecure population with red meat for an entire year. To our knowledge, this is one of few studies in the North America that attempts to account for the amount of wild food harvested from the landscape within the context food security. We argue that food systems research may benefit from a similar accounting of wild food when addressing issues of food security and availability.

Trends in Food Insecurity in the United States from 2011-2017: Disparities by Age, Sex, Race/Ethnicity, and Income.

The number of individuals in the United States who report food insecurity doubled between 2005 and 2012, with little research investigating possible disparities across time in food-insecure populations. The aim of this study was to investigate trends in food insecurity between 2001-2017 by sex, race/ethnicity, income, and age. Adults participating in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) between 2011-2017 were included in the study. Food insecurity was dichotomized based on affirmative responses to the Food Security Survey Module. Statistical analysis included logistic regression to investigate trends in food insecurity over time by each demographic variable (age, sex, race/ethnicity, income) adjusted by survey year and demographic variables. After adjustment, those ages ≥65 years were 39% less likely (OR = 0.61, 95% CI [0.57,0.65]) to report food insecurity compared to those ages 18-34; females were 23% more likely to be food insecure than males (OR = 1.23, 95% CI [1.19,1.27]); non-Hispanic blacks were 1.7 times more likely (OR = 1.69, 95% CI [1.62,1.76]) to be food insecure than non-Hispanic whites; and a clear gradient existed by income, with lower incomes more likely to be food insecure. Disparities in food insecurity exist across age, race/ethnicity, sex, and income and were consistent over time. These results suggest that targeted programs may be necessary to decrease food insecurity in particularly vulnerable subpopulations, and barriers to access and use of existing programs need to be investigated.

Healthy Mondays or Sundays? Weekday Preferences for Healthy Eating and Cooking among a Food Insecure Population in a U.S. Urban Environment

ABSTRACT Food insecure populations are in need of targeted nutritional interventions and understanding their food behaviors can inform effective weekday-based health campaigns. We examine weekday preference in healthy eating, cooking, and cooking with children among food pantry clients in Baltimore City. A cross-sectional survey of 74 food pantry clients was conducted on weekday-based preferences of these behaviors. Compared to Monday, clients were more likely to eat healthy on Friday (p = .04), Thursday (p = .04), and Saturday (p = .002), and more likely to cook on Sunday (p = .002). Future interventions should consider weekday preferences in nutrition campaigns (nutrition knowledge, food skills) among food insecure populations.

Framing Food Access: Do Community Gardens Inadvertently Reproduce Inequality?

Alternative food programs have been proposed as solutions to food insecurity and diet-related health issues. However, some of the most popular programs-farmers markets and community-supported agriculture-overwhelmingly serve White and upper-middle-class individuals, exacerbating food security and health disparities. One explanation for the mismatch is the way in which alternative food programs are framed: Language used to encourage participation may reflect priorities of upper-middle-class and White populations who create and run these programs while lacking resonance with food-insecure populations. This literature, however, lacks consideration of how lower-cost, more participatory programs-community gardens-are framed. We therefore explore the framing of community gardens through a quantitative content analysis of the descriptions, missions, and goals provided by community garden managers across Minnesota (N = 411). Six frames were consistently present in the community garden statements: greater good, community orientation, healthy food access, food donation, self-empowerment, and symbolic food labels. Greater good and community orientation were significantly more likely to be used than any other frames. Taken together, our findings suggest that community gardens may be welcoming toward a diversity of participants but still have room to improve the inclusivity of their frames. The common use of a community orientation suggests the unique ability of community gardens among alternative food programs to benefit Black, Latino, and working-class populations. However, the most common frame observed was "greater good," suggesting one mechanism through which community gardens, like other types of alternative food programs, may be reproducing inequality through alienation of food-insecure populations.

Dietary Quality and Usual Intake of Underconsumed Nutrients and Related Food Groups Differ by Food Security Status for Rural, Midwestern Food Pantry Clients

BackgroundFood pantry users represent a predominantly food insecure population, yet dietary intake may differ among food secure (FS), low FS, and very low FS clients. Usual intake of food groups and nutrients by food security status has not previously been compared among food pantry clients. ObjectiveThis study aimed to estimate the usual intakes of underconsumed nutrients (ie, potassium; dietary fiber; choline; magnesium; calcium; vitamins A, D, E, and C; and iron) and related food groups (ie, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and dairy) and dietary quality, and to evaluate their relationship with food security status. DesignThis cross-sectional, secondary analysis used baseline data from a prior intervention study (Clinical Trial Registry: NCT03566095). A demographic questionnaire, the US Household Food Security Survey Module, and up to three 24-hour dietary recalls on nonconsecutive days, including weekdays and weekends, were collected. Participants/settingThis community-based study included a convenience sample of adult, midwestern food pantry clients (N=579) recruited from August to November 2014. Main outcome measuresMain outcomes evaluated were Healthy Eating Index-2010 scores and usual intakes of underconsumed nutrients and related food groups. Statistical analyses performedLinear regression models and the National Cancer Institute method, adjusting for confounders, were used to estimate associations of food security with diet quality and usual intake, respectively. ResultsBeing FS was associated with a higher whole grains HEI-2010 score and higher mean usual intake of whole grains compared with being low FS. Being FS was associated with higher usual intakes of iron and dairy compared with being very low FS. Being FS was associated with a higher mean usual intake of dark green vegetables compared with being low FS and very low FS. Usual intakes were below federal guidance for all subgroups of food security. ConclusionsAlthough food security status may differentiate dietary intake among food pantry clients, improvements are needed among all clients.

Successes and challenges of using a peer Mentor model for nutrition education within a food pantry: a qualitative study

BackgroundDelivering nutrition education within an emergency food pantry (EFP) provides an opportunity to reach many food insecure households and underserved populations. However, little is known about using a peer mentor model, “Community Cooks,” as a modality to deliver nutrition education within this setting. This research aimed to identify the successes and challenges of using a peer mentor model within an EFP to better understand the best approaches to deliver nutrition education among community residents.MethodsIn spring 2018, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 peer mentors after they delivered a series of nutrition workshops to community members of the EFP. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data.ResultsAll peer mentors were women over 40 years-of-age, were recruited from the EFP community; most were high school graduates and currently received some form of federal nutrition assistance. All peer mentors reported that the “Community Cooks” nutrition education program offered many benefits. Key successes of the program included serving in the role as a peer mentor was an empowering experience which gave them a sense of community, purpose, and camaraderie; 2) the nutrition education was appropriately tailored towards those living with food insecurity; 3) the recipes required minimal cooking skills and included low-cost easily accessible foods available at the EFP. Key challenges of the program were the lack of community member engagement in the nutrition education workshops.ConclusionChallenges continue to exist when delivering nutrition education within a community EFP setting. While the use of peer mentors to deliver nutrition education messages is promising, more research is needed to quantify the impact of using a peer mentor model in underserved and food insecure communities.

P75 Successes and Challenges of Using a Peer Mentor Model for Nutrition Education Within a Food Pantry: A Qualitative Study

<h3>Background</h3> Delivering nutrition education within an emergency food pantry (EFP) is a valuable and sustainable approach to target the food insecure and underserved populations. However, little is known about using a peer mentor model, "Community Cooks," as a modality to deliver nutrition education within this setting. <h3>Objective</h3> This research aimed to identify the successes and challenges of using a peer mentor model within an EFP to better understand the best approaches to deliver nutrition education among community residents. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> In spring 2018, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 peer mentors after they delivered a series of nutrition workshops to community members of the EFP. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data. <h3>Results</h3> All peer mentors were women over 40 years-of-age, recruited from the EFP community; most were high school graduates and received some form of federal nutrition assistance. All peer mentors reported that the "Community Cooks" nutrition education program offered many benefits. Key successes of the program included the use of nutrition education sessions that were appropriately tailored to a food insecure population, recipes included ingredients often found at the EFP, and serving as a peer mentor was an empowering experience. Peer mentors reported a sense of community, purpose, and camaraderie. Key challenges of the program were the lack of community member engagement in the nutrition education workshops. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Challenges continue to exist when delivering nutrition education within a community EFP setting. While the use of peer mentors to deliver nutrition education messages is promising, more research is needed to quantify the impact of using a peer mentor model in underserved and food insecure communities.

Linking Household Food Security and Food Value Chains in North West Mt. Kenya

Smallholder farmers and pastoralists produce the largest proportion of food consumed in sub-Saharan Africa. However, they remain among the food insecure populations. This paper explores the food (in)security among smallholder farmers and pastoralists using a sample of 175 households in three agro-food value chains of wheat, dairy, and beef in the north-west Mt. Kenya region. The study seeks to answer if a farmer’s participation in a particular agro-food value chain determines his/her food security situation. We use the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and two Poisson regression models, parsimonious and full, to assess the household food security status and determinants of food security among the smallholder farmers and pastoralists. The results show that 61% of the households were either mildly, moderately, or severely food insecure. Households in the beef value chain experienced relatively higher incidences of food insecurity compared to households in the wheat and dairy value chains. The HFIAS scores revealed a wide gap between households with minimum and maximum score. Household size, income and income-related variables (ability to save and borrow to meet family needs), transport assets, membership in farmers’ associations, and household energy were significant in determining household food security, while access to credit and to extension services was not. Strategies that focus on boosting smallholder farmers’ incomes, building strong and resilient farmers associations to improve inclusive and equitable value chains have the potential to get smallholder farmers out of recurrent food insecurity.