Food Security Category Research Articles

Analyzing Land Conversion Rate and Conversion Farmer Household Food Security in Bakalan Village, Pasuruan Regency

The conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural uses presents significant challenges to food security, environmental sustainability, and economic progress in Bakalan Village. Food security categories for Bakalan Village conversion farmer families are assessed in this study using System Dynamic and Land Conversion Rate Analysis. A causal loop diagram illustrates the complex relationships between land conversion, food availability, affordability, and needs, crucial for understanding food security dynamics. Higher land conversion rates negatively impact food availability, risking local food security. System Dynamic integrates agricultural and non-agricultural income sources to model food affordability, a key food security determinant. Annual iterations capture fluctuations in land use, income, and food indicators, revealing the evolving impact on food security. This research emphasizes the need for sustainable land use practices, incentivizing land preservation, and promoting diversified incomes to ensure food security, environmental resilience, and socio-economic stability in Bakalan Village and similar agricultural communities globally. Adaptive policies informed by such models are essential for addressing these multifaceted challenges effectively.

Association of food insecurity with changes in diet quality, weight, and glycemia over two years in adults with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes on medicaid

Little is known about longitudinal associations between food insecurity (FI) and diet, weight, and glycemia in people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In a secondary analysis of Medicaid-enrolled health center patients with prediabetes or T2D in Boston, Massachusetts (N = 188), we examined associations between food security (FS) and measures of diet quality, weight, and hyperglycemia. FS (10-item USDA FS module) was ascertained at baseline, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up and categorized as persistently secure, intermittently insecure, or persistently insecure. Associations between FS category and changes in Healthy Eating Index-2020 (HEI-20), body mass index (BMI), and hemoglobin A1c (A1c) from baseline to year 2 were assessed using multivariate generalized linear models. Participants had median (p25, p75) age of 52 (42, 57); 71.8% were female and 62.8% Hispanic. Over follow-up, 32.4% were persistently food secure, 33.0% intermittently insecure, and 34.5% persistently insecure. Baseline mean (SD) HEI-20, BMI, and A1c were 55.8 (14.5), 35.9 (8.7) kg/m2, 7.1% (1.6) and did not differ by FS category. FS category was not associated with changes in HEI-20, BMI, and A1c at 2 years (all p > 0.05). Results suggest that Medicaid-enrolled adults with prediabetes or T2D, regardless of FS status, would benefit from dietary and weight management interventions.

Investigating level of food security among patients with hypertension and diabetes at a student-run free clinic

Background Nutritional recommendations for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension assume high food security. However, food insecurity is estimated to affect 10% of the US population and more so patients at our student-run free clinic (SRFC). The aims of the study were to (1) assess food security in patients with a diagnosis of T2DM, hypertension, or both and (2) examine the relationship between food security and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) or blood pressure at an SRFC. Methods Eligible participants completed a 10-item food security questionnaire and an item addressing perceived barriers. Most recent HbA1C and blood pressure measurements were gathered. Comparisons were made using univariate or multivariate linear regression analysis. Results Results from 79 participants showed that 25.3% experienced high food security, 29.1% had marginal food security, 13.9% had low food security, and 30.4% had very low food security. No statistically significant association was found between food security category and HbA1C or blood pressure. However, we did find that approximately 73% of patients experienced some degree of food insecurity. Conclusions Patients at our SRFC are ethnically and racially diverse, most have a high school education or less, and most have food insecurity. No association between food security category and HbA1C or blood pressure control was found. Providers should consider the degree of food insecurity and incorporate a culturally sensitive approach when making nutritional recommendations.

Validating the Hunger Vital SignTM and USDA Food Insufficiency Tools Against the HFSS-10 Measure in a New York City Population Survey.

Hunger Vital SignTM (HVS) and Food Insufficiency Tool (FIT) are two screeners of food insecurity that have not been extensively researched against the well-known 10-item Household Food Security Survey (HFSS-10) Module in large population settings such as New York City (NYC). We calculated sensitivity and specificity of the HVS compared with the HFSS-10-based food-insecurity measure and of the FIT compared with the very low food security category of the HFSS-10 using data from the June 2022 New York City Health Panel food access survey. Overall, the HVS had a sensitivity of 98.1% and a specificity of 72.1%. The FIT had a sensitivity of 53.8% and a specificity of 94.5%. Specificity varied for the HVS while sensitivity varied for the FIT when stratified by sociodemographic subgroups. The HVS captured people experiencing or at risk of experiencing food insecurity. The FIT underestimated the prevalence of people experiencing very low food security. These screeners may be measuring different constructs of food insecurity.

Food Security of Urban Agricultural Households in the Area of North Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

Urban agriculture is crucial in improving food security through the diversity of food produced by urban farmers. However, there have not been many studies that discuss the food security of urban farmers of three types simultaneously, i.e., subsistence, semi-commercial, and commercial. Therefore, this study has the benefit of looking at the food security condition of urban farmer households. This research was conducted in the North Bandung area, West Java, Indonesia. A sequential mixed method was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data to determine the condition of food security in each urban farmer household. A total of 321 households were used as respondents for this study, consisting of 107 subsistence agriculture households, 107 semi-commercial agriculture households, and 107 commercial agriculture households. Our study found that the average calorie adequacy of farmer households in all urban agriculture types (subsistence, semi-commercial, and commercial) was 84.53%. Meanwhile, the proportion of household food expenditure in all urban agriculture averaged 64.78%. In relation to food security, 53.89% of respondents were included in the food-vulnerable category and only 25.86% of the urban farmer households were included in the food-secure category. The highest food security rate was found in commercial urban agriculture households, which reached 28.04%. In general, these data reflect low household food security across all types of urban agriculture. This reality can be caused by various factors, including limited resources, dependence on food purchases, and interference from external parties.

Food Security Analysis of Corn Farming Households In The Buffer Area of Mandalika Special Economic Zone

The existence of the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ), located in Pujut District, Central Lombok Regency, is an area adjacent to many corn cultivation areas. This condition represents strategic potential for the development of corn commodities and their derivative products. On the other hand, food security is a human right that must be fulfilled. The aim of this research is to; 1) Analyze the socio-economic conditions of corn farmers in the buffer area of Mandalika SEZ; 2) Analyze the food security of corn farmers houshold in the buffer area of Mandalika SEZ; This research was conducted using qualitative-descriptive methods. The data collection technique used interviews with respondents guided by a questionnaire with 40 respondents determined by simple random sampling. The data analysis that will be used in this research is descriptif analysis. The research results show that (1) the average total income of corn farmers is IDR. 28,960,605.28/year, this income comes from agricultural activities amounting to IDR. 23,430,722.93/year, income from non-agricultural activities of IDR. 4,164,000/year and income from other sources (Social-Assistance) of IDR. 1,365,882/year. The average total household expenditure for corn farmers is IDR. 19,506,628/year, with details of food expenditure of IDR. 11,169,548/year, and non-food expenditure of IDR. 8,337,080/year; (2) In general, respondent farmer households included the food secure category. In distribution, there are 20% of farmers who are still in the food insecure category.

Ketahanan Pangan Rumah Tangga Petani Kopi Arabika di Desa Kendenan Kecamatan Baraka Kabupaten Enrekang

The population in this study were 120 people and 25% of the sample was taken. Determination of the sample using simple random sampling technique. The samples obtained were 30 respondents. Analysis of the data used is the analysis of farm income and food expenditure analysis. The results showed that the total food and non-food expenditure of Arabica coffee farmers in Kendenan Village, Baraka District, Enrekang Regency was Rp. 5,461,733.00 per year for food expenditure and for food expenditure per month was Rp. 455,144.42. Meanwhile, non-food expenditure is IDR 5,020,100.00 per year and IDR 418,341.67 per month. The food security level of farmer households is categorized as food secure by 60% of farmers and those who are food insecure are 40% of farmers. Arabica coffee farmers in Kendenan Village, Baraka District, Enrekang Regency have a level of food security category.

Economic Behavior of Coastal Communities and Strategy in Fulfilling the Needs of Fisherman’s Household

The decreasing quality of fishery resources results in resource scarcity, abrasion and flooding. Communities, especially those living near the coast, are often accused of being the cause of the damage and scarcity of these resources. Various government policies and programs are oriented towards efforts to preserve fisheries resources and improve the economy and standard of living of communities around the coast. Research objectives: 1) To describe the activities of fishermen households in earning a living, 2) To describe the economic behavior of fishermen households, namely the income structure and the structure of household expenditure, 3) To analyze the share of food consumption expenditure of fishermen households, 4)To analyze the influence of household income level factors, education of housewives, and number of household members on household food expenditure, 5) To identify social and economic strategies of fishermen households in meeting the economic needs of their households. This research was conducted in Ujung Tanah District, Makassar City, South Sulawesi Province, for eight months. Survey research method by conducting in-depth interviews with fisherman households. Data analysis used descriptive analysis, income and expenditure analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that fishing activities in the sea, fishermen consider the available resources (type of boat and equipment) with preparation before going to sea, such as the duration of time at sea, tamping capacity, distribution of results and the radius of the fishing location. The income structure of fisherman households in Cambayya Village, Ujung Tanah District, Makassar City is sourced from income as a fisherman of IDR 2,602,857 per month with a percentage of 75.38%, and the income earned from side jobs other than fishermen is IDR 850,000 per month with a percentage of 24.61%. The expenditure structure of fisherman households in Cambayya Village, Ujung Tanah District, Makassar City is allocated for food consumption spending on average IDR 974,257 with a percentage of 43.79% and non-food consumption expenditure of IDR 1,250,357 with a percentage of 56.21%. The share of food consumption expenditure for fisherman households in Cambayya Village, Ujung Tanah District, Makassar City is 43.79% and is included in the food secure category. 85.71% of the respondents carried out a social strategy to meet their household needs when not going to sea is to find a side job. On the other side, the economic strategy carried out by fishermen is to involve the family (wife, children, and other family members) in earning a living.

Medical Financial Hardship and Food Security among Cancer Survivors in the United States.

Some cancer survivors experience medical financial hardship, which may reduce their food security. The purpose of this study was to explore whether medical financial hardship is related to food security among cancer survivors. The study was based on cross-sectional data from the 2020 National Health Interview Survey. We used ordinal logistic regression to examine the relationship between material, psychological, and behavioral medical financial hardships and household food security (i.e., high, marginal, low, or very low) among individuals ages ≥18 years who reported a cancer diagnosis from a health professional (N = 4,130). The majority of the sample reported high household food security (88.5%), with 4.8% reporting marginal, 3.6% reporting low, and 3.1% reporting very low household food security. In the adjusted model, the odds of being in a lower food security category were higher for cancer survivors who had problems paying or were unable to pay their medical bills compared with those who did not [OR, 1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06-2.82, P = 0.027], who were very worried about paying their medical bills compared with those who were not at all worried (OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.64-5.07; P < 0.001), and who delayed medical care due to cost compared with those who did not (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.29-5.09; P = 0.007). Food insecurity is rare among cancer survivors. However, medical financial hardship is associated with an increased risk of lower household food security among cancer survivors. A minority of cancer survivors experience medical financial hardship and food insecurity; social needs screenings should be conducted.

Analysis of Income and Expenditure Based on Fishermen's Households The Level of Food Security in the Term District of Bireun Regency

This study aims to analyze household income and expenditure and the level of food security of fishermen's households in Term District, Bireuen Regency. This research was conducted in the District of Term, Bireuen Regency. Determination of the research location is done purposively. The population in this study were all fishermen in the District of Jangka. The sampling method uses the Accidental Sampling technique, which is the technique of making a sample by chance. The analysis carried out is to analyze the income and expenditure of fishermen's households and analyze the level of resilience. Based on the results of the study, it was found that the average income of fishermen's households originating from fishing business activities was Rp. 4,406,329/month, from a side business of Rp. 1,578,145, and sourced from family opinion 3,106,076. Meanwhile, household expenditure is IDR 2,633,139/month. The share of fisherman household expenditure is 53.7% and is in the food security category.

Status and drivers of households’ food security status in climate-sensitive coastal areas of Bangladesh: A comparison between the exposed and interior coasts

ABSTRACT Farming in coastal areas has unique challenges as climate change threatens coastal people’s livelihoods and food security. Therefore, household food security remains a major concern, especially in Bangladesh’s climate-sensitive coastal districts. This study compared the food security status and identified the factors influencing households’ food security in the exposed and interior coasts of Bangladesh. A total of 750 households (exposed coast: 375 and interior coast: 375) were surveyed from six coastal areas. The Food Consumption Score (FCS), descriptive statistics, and a set of econometric models were used to achieve the objectives. Around 20% of households in the exposed coast were in the borderline category of FCS. The FCS of the interior coast households was significantly higher than the exposed coast households. The analysis results revealed that a 1 USD increase in the price of rice per kg would decrease the likelihood of being in the food secure category by more than 40%. Households who engaged in homestead gardening had a 4.30% and 9.15% higher likelihood of being in the food secure category in the interior and exposed coasts, respectively. Access to credit increased the likelihood of being in the food secure category by 7.15% in the exposed coast area. Economic status-related factors, such as higher farm and non-farm incomes, also increased the likelihood of being food secure in both coastal areas. To improve the household-level food security in coastal areas, location-specific sustainable farming practices, non-farm employment opportunities, rice price stabilization, agricultural training, and capital availability are warranted.

Klasterisasi Wilayah Kabupaten Jember Berdasarkan Tingkat Ketahanan Pangan

Food security is a condition of food proclamation based on the availability of sufficient food to be able to live a healthy, active and productive life in a sustainable manner. Based on data from the Global Food Security Index (GFSI), Indonesia is ranked 69th with a level of food availability with a value of 63.7% and a level of ability or food needs of 74.9%. Jember Regency as one of the regencies in East Java Province based on TP2AK food security data in 2020 is in good condition (very resistant). However, in the same year Jember Regency experienced natural disasters with a total of 92 incidents The World Food Program in 2009 explained that one of the indicators of food security is vulnerability to food insecurity which is influenced by natural disasters. Based on the disaster conditions experienced by Jember Regency, the research carried out is to group food security areas in the Jember Regency area based on transient indicators using the KMeans method. The results of the analysis of the optimal SSE cluster formed in K4 (4 clusters) with an SSE value of 24,809. Each of the 4 clusters formed has a food security category of very resistant, resistant, moderately resistant, and somewhat vulnerable.

Obesity in Adolescents: Understanding the Combined Role of Food Security and Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

PurposeTo examine the associations and interactions between levels of food security and emotional and behavioral disorders with obesity in adolescents. MethodsMultiple logistic regression modeling was used to analyze the association of adolescent obesity with levels of food security and emotional and behavior disorders in children aged 12–17 years using data from National Health Interview Survey 2016–2018 combined years. Presence of emotional and behavioral disorders within food security categories was added to logistic regression modeling to examine interactions. ResultsWhen added individually to multiple logistic regression models, marginal and low food security, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and anxiety were associated with increased odds of obesity, but very low food security and depression were not. Within the group of adolescents with very low food security, those with anxiety, depression, or ADHD had a nearly two to three-fold increase in odds of obesity compared to adolescents with very low food security and no emotional and behavioral disorders. A similar increase in the odds of obesity with the presence of anxiety, depression, or ADHD was not seen in the adolescents with high food security. DiscussionThis study finds a significant interaction between food security level and emotional and behavioral disorders. The distinction that very low food security in adolescents is only associated with obesity when either anxiety, depression or ADHD are present, but not independently, is an important contribution to understanding complex interactions contributing to obesity.

Effectiveness of Home Gardening in Improving Food Security and Health in Chacraseca, Nicaragua: A Pilot Study.

We studied the usefulness of home gardening in improving food security and health. One hundred participants were randomized into the control and intervention group of which the intervention group received training in home gardening. Results showed that the percentage of participants with normal body mass index decreased from 24.4% to 20% in the control group whereas it remained unchanged in the intervention group. The number of participants in the very low food security category decreased from 66% (n=33) to 54% (n=27) in the intervention group whereas it increased from 68.8% (n=33) to 70.8% (n=34) in the control group. Results from the present study may be used to guide policymakers in designing or modifying home gardening interventions.

Food Insecurity and Cardiometabolic Markers: Results From the Study of Latino Youth.

Hispanic/Latino youth bear a disproportionate burden of food insecurity and poor metabolic outcomes, but research linking the two in this diverse population is lacking. We evaluated whether lower household and child food security (FS) were adversely associated with a metabolic syndrome (MetS) composite variable and clinically measured cardiometabolic markers: waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This cross-sectional study included 1325 Hispanic/Latino youth aged 8 to 16 years from the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth, a study of offspring of adults enrolled in the Hispanic Community Health Survey/Study of Latinos. Multivariable regression analyses were used to assess relationships between household FS (high, marginal, low, very low) and child FS (high, marginal, low/very low) status, separately, and our dependent variables, adjusting for participant age, sex, site, parental education, and poverty-income ratio. For both FS measures, youth in the lowest FS category had significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol than those with high FS (household FS: -3.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -5.65 to -0.70, child FS: -1.81, 95% CI: -3.54 to -0.09). Low/very low versus high child FS was associated with greater fasting plasma glucose (β = 1.37, 95% CI: 0.08 to 2.65), triglycerides (β = 8.68, 95% CI: 1.75 to 15.61), and MetS expected log counts (β = 2.12, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.45). Lower FS is associated with unfavorable MetS-relevant cardiometabolic markers in Hispanic/Latino youth. These findings also support the use of a child-level versus a household-level measure to capture the health implications of food insecurity in this population.

Determinants of Rural Household Food Insecurity and Local Coping Strategies: The Case of Hoko District in Sidama Region, Ethiopia

There are myriad of factors contributing for household food insecurity in rural households in Ethiopia Several efforts have been put in place to alleviate food insecurity globally, nationally and even locally. Despite these efforts, the situation continues to prevail and sometimes even increase in the contemporary human society. It is therefore imperative that food insecurity gets addressed appropriately. Therefore, this study sought to investigate household food insecurity and coping strategies rural households in the study area. A mixed method study design was used to attain the objectives of the study. A total of 382 sample households (308 male and 74 female) selected from 5 kebeles of the district were interviewed using structured and semi structured interview schedule. Qualitative data were collected using focus group discussion and key informant interview. Data analysis was done with the help of STATA 13. A binary logistic regression model was also employed to identify factors affecting farmer’s adoption of common bean technologies in the area. The result of a descriptive statistics revealed that more than 62% of the study participant were food insecure and the remaining 37.3 were on food secure category. The result of a binary logistic regression model showed that the covariates sex of household head, age of household head, landholding size, livestock holding and off farm income size have a statistically significant positive relationship with the food security status of a household in the study area. The overall findings of the study revealed that a monotonous dietary pattern is prevalent and manifested among majority of the study participants. Therefore, all the necessary awareness creation and training on preparing different types of well-diversified recipes by using locally available farm produce such as Enset should be done by concerned bodies. Keywords: Coping strategies, food insecurity, rural households DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-3-03 Publication date: February 28 th 2022

Food Security Level of Fisherman Household in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia

The condition of fishermen’s households that are less food secure can be triggered by poverty. As a developing country, Indonesia still has a fairly high poverty rate of 34.96 million people, of which 63.47% are people living in coastal areas. According to the Food Consumption Survey of Lampung in 2017, 2018, and 2019 conducted by the Food Security Agency of Lampung Province, it is known that the amount and level of energy consumption of fishery households in Bandar Lampung City has decreased from 1,815.1 kcal/cap/day or by 93, 1% in 2017 to 1,666.4 kcal/cap/year or 84.0% in 2018, and decreased again to 1,568.0 kcal/cap/day or 75.1% in 2019. This study aims to analyze the level of food security of fishermen’s households in and the level of energy and protein adequacy of fishermen’s households in Teluk Betung Selatan District. This research was conducted in Teluk Betung Selatan District, Bandar Lampung. The research was conducted on March to July 2021. The sample of fishermen in this study was 50 fishermen from 1,207 fishermen in Teluk Betung Selatan District. Sampling was done by simple random method. The results of this study are (1) the food security of fishermen’s households in Teluk Betung Selatan District is mostly in the food security category (78%), while the remaining 22% are in the food insecurity category; (2) the level of energy adequacy of fishermen’s households in Teluk Betung Selatan District is mostly in the poor category (52%), but the level of protein adequacy is mostly.

Food Insecurity and Vision Impairment Among Adults Age 50 and Older in the United States

To test the hypothesis that food insecurity is associated with greater prevalence of vision impairment (VI). Cross-sectional, nationally representative survey of US adults. Adults 50 years and older were included. Food security category (ie, full, marginal, low, or very low) was assessed by the US Household Food Security Survey Module. Objective presenting VI (PVI) and self-reported VI (SRVI) were assessed by examination and survey, respectively. Separate logistic regression models were constructed with food insecurity category as a predictor of PVI or SRVI. Models were adjusted for age, gender, race, education, income, cigarette use, alcohol use, body mass index, and physical activity. Age-stratified analyses (age 50 through 64 years vs 65 years and older) were also conducted. Mean age of participants (n=10,078) was 63.4 years; 8,518 (89.9%) were fully food secure, 1,033 (7.2%) had PVI, and 2,633 (20.1%) had SRVI. Compared with full food security, adjusting for sociodemographic confounders, those with marginal (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.31; 95% CI, 0.97-1.76), low (aOR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.17-2.23), and very low (aOR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.75-4.20) food security had higher odds of PVI. Compared with full food security, those with marginal (aOR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.23-2.02), low (aOR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.11-1.92), and very low (aOR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.41-2.41) food security had higher odds of SRVI. The associations between food insecurity and PVI were greater in magnitude in those 65 years and older compared with those age 50 through 64 years. In this nationally representative sample of US adults 50 years and older, severe food insecurity was increasingly associated with greater prevalence of VI in a dose-response manner.

The Food Security Of The Household Recipient Of Food Independent Village Program In Central Sumba Regency

The Food Independent Village Program was performed to give an impact on reducing the level of food and nutrition insecurity of the needy in rural areas. The success of program implementation can be seen from the level of food security of the household recipients. This research aimed to determine the level of food security based on 1) Share of Food Expenses (PPP), 2) Energy Sufficiency Rate (AKE), 3) Performance of household food security. The research method used was a survey method. Sampling used was a random sample (Random Sampling) with 85 respondents. The analysis method used was a cross-combination approach between the share of food expenses (PPP) and the level of household energy consumption (AKE). The results showed that based on AKE the distribution of food-secure households was 65.53% and food insecure was 36.47%. Meanwhile, based on PPP, the distribution of households that were food insecure was 40% and food secure was 60%. The performance of household food security in the food security category was 25.88 percent, food vulnerability was 40.00 percent, food shortage was 14.12 percent, and food insecurity was 20.00 percent. The proportion of households that were food insecure was still large, which means that efforts were needed to improve the food security of households who were the Food Independent Village program recipients.

Food Security, Dietary Intake, and Foodways of Urban Low-Income Older South African Women: An Exploratory Study.

This cross-sectional study explored the differences in sociodemographics, dietary intake, and household foodways (cultural, socioeconomic practices that affect food purchase, consumption, and preferences) of food secure and food insecure older women living in a low-income urban setting in South Africa. Women (n = 122) aged 60–85 years old were recruited, a sociodemographic questionnaire was completed, and food security categories were determined. The categories were dichotomised into food secure (food secure and mild food insecurity) and food insecure (moderate and severe). A one-week quantified food frequency questionnaire was administered. Height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI, kg/m2). Most participants (>90%) were overweight/obese, unmarried/widowed, and breadwinners with a low monthly household income. Food insecure participants (36.9%) more frequently borrowed money for food (57.8% vs. 39.0%, p = 0.04), ate less so that their children could have more to eat (64.4%. vs. 27.3%, p = 0.001), and had higher housing density (1.2 vs. 1.0, p = 0.03), compared to their food-secure counterparts. Overall, <30% of participants met the WHO (Geneva, Switzerland) recommended daily servings of healthy foods (fruits, vegetables, and dairy products), but >60% perceived that they consumed an adequate amount of healthy foods. The overall low-quality diet of our cohort was associated with poor nutritional perceptions and choices, coupled with financial constraints.