Food Security Measures Research Articles

The effect of a low-carbohydrate diet on evoked pain and quality of life in Non-Hispanic black women with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot study

BackgroundKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent chronic pain condition that can significantly impact quality of life and contribute to recognized chronic pain racial disparities. We have shown that a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) can reduce KOA-related pain. Our previous work suggested that the LCD was more beneficial for women and non-Hispanic Black (NHB) adults, but our sample was not sufficiently diverse. Thus, we sought to determine whether the LCD may be beneficial for NHB women with KOA on measures of self-reported and evoked pain.MethodsFourteen NHB women (M = 55.93, S.D. = 7.79 years of age) with KOA were recruited to participate in a pilot 6-week LCD intervention. Measures of pain sensitivity, disability, physical functioning, overall chronic pain, quality of life, and dietary habits were taken at baseline and at 3- and 6-weeks of the LCD intervention.ResultsOverall, participants showed significant differences in self-reported measures of daily pain, pain interference, stiffness, physical functioning, depressive symptoms, food knowledge and food security. Participants also showed reduced evoked pain in the timed walk and chair stand tasks.ConclusionA 6-week LCD provided a range of benefits related to pain and quality of life in NHB women with KOA. The utilization of a LCD is a modifiable, non-pharmacological and accessible alternative for chronic KOA that may reduce pain disparities and improve quality of life.Trial registrationThis article reports the original results of a dietary healthcare intervention registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 04343716, registered on 13/04/2020).

Analyzing Food Security Scales: Evidence and Methods in the FAO Context

Food security remains a critical global challenge, necessitating robust and precise measurement tools to effectively address and mitigate issues of hunger and malnutrition. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has introduce a range of metrics and methodologies to assess food security across different regions and populations. This comprehensive review aims to analyze the current evidence and methodologies used in the FAO context to measure food security, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This review synthesizes data from numerous peer-reviewed studies, reports, and FAO publications, focusing on the period from 2000 to 2023. These tools are examined in terms of their conceptual frameworks, measurement techniques, data collection methods, and practical applications in diverse settings. The FIES, introduce by FAO in collaboration with the Voices of the Hungry project, offers a direct estimate of food insecurity based on individuals' experiences. This scale has been widely adopted due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and ability to provide comparable data across different contexts. he study's findings might be limited by the fact that participants reported their own experiences, which could be influenced by cultural norms or a tendency to answer in a way that is socially acceptable. Despite, these challenges, the FIES remains a valuable tool for monitoring food insecurity trends globally. The GFSI, produced by the Economist Intelligence Unit with support from FAO, provides a comprehensive measure of food security by integrating data on affordability, availability, quality, and safety of food. This index is beneficial for its broad scope and ability to highlight underlying factors affecting food security. Nonetheless, the GFSI faces criticism for its heavy reliance on secondary data sources, which may not always be up-to-date or accurately reflect on-the-ground realities. Furthermore, the index’s focus on national-level data may overlook intra-country disparities and localized food insecurity issues. The IPC, another key FAO tool, categories the severity and magnitude of food insecurity in different regions, providing a standardized approach to assess and compare food security situations. The IPC's strength lies in its multi-dimensional nature, incorporating various indicators such as food consumption, livelihood changes, and nutritional status. However, its complexity and resource-intensive nature can pose challenges for consistent implementation, particularly in resource-limited settings. The systematic review highlights that while FAO's food security scales offer valuable insights, there is room for enhancement. Combining qualitative and quantitative data, improving the timeliness and accuracy of data collection, and incorporating more localized assessments can strengthen these tools. Additionally, integrating new technologies such as remote sensing and mobile data collection can further improve the precision and efficiency of food security measurements.

Application of geospatial technology and decision model in the development of improved food security index

Most developing countries are currently experiencing a severe food security crisis. A good policy to mitigate food insecurity is dependent on accurate assessment. Therefore, an improved assessment of food situation is important in implementing food security measures. Existing food security assessments are limited in integrating localized variables, often needing more context-specific information. This study proposes a new food security index (Hybrid Food Security Index-HFSI), the Nigerian state was used as a case study. Data used include; food consumption, poverty levels, variability in food prices, inflation, climate variability data and the status of road infrastructure. The study also integrated a hybrid Multi-criteria Criteria Decision Model (MCDM) and geo-spatial technology. The geo-spatial presentation of food security across Nigeria shows that food security is generally better in the Southern part of the country than in the Northern region. Broadly, indicators’ performance primarily improves from the country’s North to South, which suggests that Northern states tend to be less food secure than Southern states. According to the Fuzzy-DEMATEL-ANP model, the Poverty level indicator significantly impacts the food security situation in all focused states, as it received the highest priority weight of 0.1487. The study recommends intensifying poverty alleviation programs to improve food security, and women’s development programs should be prioritized. This study provides policymakers and stakeholders with evidence-based assessments to address food security challenges in Nigeria.

Determination of Optimum Irrigation Water Requirement of Wheat at Sayo District, Kellem Wollega, Oromia

Ethiopia needs 70-80 million quintals of wheat to feed 110 million people, but imports are a significant deficit. The government has implemented food and wheat security measures, including yield gap closure, area expansions, and irrigation. Wheat is a strategic commodity for Ethiopia's food security, agroindustry, import substitution, and job creation. An experiment was conducted at Dambi Dollo University campus in Sayo District, Kellem Wollega Zone, to determine wheat irrigation water demand. The study evaluated five irrigation depths in wheat cultivation, using soil parameters, meteorological data, and crop characteristics. The results showed that 90% of the net water requirement of wheat is optimal for normal physiological activities, including evapotranspiration and metabolic activities. The saved water, 10% of the total 191.9 mm, can be used to irrigate more command areas and prevent abandonment. The water productivity value of irrigated wheat is within the range of previous findings, and the average wheat yield is improved under irrigation conditions even in Ethiopia. The efficiency parameters (GY, WUE, and WP) generally perform significantly. The study recommends extension services to demonstrate this finding on farmers' fields for further evaluation and popularization, and Zonal/District Agricultural Offices to use this 172.71 mm to sustainably boost irrigated wheat production.

Impact of improved cassava cultivars on income generation and food security of women farmers in Mkuranga district, Tanzania

PurposeThe study was conducted to investigate the impact of improved cassava cultivars on income generation and food security status of women farmers in Tanzania.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 300 respondents (150 with improved cassava cultivars and 150 without) who were selected using purposive and random sampling techniques. Double Difference, Descriptive Statistics were the analytical tools. The Cost-of-Calorie Index was used to measure food security status of the respondents.FindingsResults show that Double Difference estimates indicated that the annual income of the women farmers with improved cassava cultivars increased by TZS 143,495.20 which was higher than that of the women farmers without improved cassava cultivars which increased by only TZS 58,500. There was a positive impact on income as a result of using the improved cassava cultivars. The Cost-of-Calorie Index showed that the food security line per adult equivalent per month was TZS 2,743.81 and TZS 2,076.69 for farmers with and without improved cassava cultivars respectively. About 66% of the women farmers with improved cassava cultivars and 33% of the women farmers without improved cassava cultivars were food secure. Policies should be formulated to encourage women farmers to adopt and sustain the use of improved cultivars of cassava.Research limitations/implicationsThe research may be limited by its scope and generalizability, as it focuses on a specific geographic area (Mkuranga District) and demographic group (women farmers).Social implicationsThe study shed light on the role of agricultural interventions in empowering women economically and enhancing their food security, potentially leading to improved social status and decision-making power within their households and communities.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by emphasizing the benefits for women farmers when using improved cassava cultivars for income generation and food sufficiency.

Measurement of climate change-related food (in)security and food sovereignty in Canada’s northern communities and the circumpolar region: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionClimate change impacts the circumpolar region (including northern Canada) at a greater magnitude than other parts of the world. This affects food (in)security as well as food sovereignty. This scoping...

Challenges in the food supply chain following the great earthquake disaster in Turkey: A study of the regions of Malatya, Adıyaman and Kahramanmaraş.

The consequences of natural disasters, such as damage to food systems, destruction of transport infrastructure, and organizational issues, can threaten the food security of people. Hence, food security measures are among the most important responses in the management of natural disasters. This study was conducted to identify the challenges in food security response following a great earthquake in Turkey. This study used a qualitative approach. Within the scope of this study, 37 food cooking and preparation points were examined in the Malatya, Adıyaman, and Kahramanmaraş-Pazarcık regions. Forty-five authorized individuals working at KIZILAY, who were responsible for all aspects of nutrition, were interviewed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, with 27 inquiries selected using purposive sampling. Qualitative content analysis was performed to analyze the data. The data analysis process utilized inductive qualitative content analysis to produce themes and categories. Most participants (%80.00) stated that there was no food variety. Menus generally consists of foods with a low nutritional value such as refined grains, legumes, sweets, spices, seasonings, oils, and sugary drinks (particularly soft drinks). The majority of the participants stated that they could not give milk group (%91.11), vegetables (%93.33), fruits (%97.78), and eggs (%100.00). The participants stated that organizational problems (%77.77), transportation problems (%64.44), cold weather conditions (%84.44), and a lack of stock (%64.44) prevent food safety. According to the findings of this study, underlying challenges such as geographical and weather conditions, organizational problems, and vulnerability of part of the population threatened food security. The lack of nutritional diversity can cause health problems such as obesity, malnutrition, and anemia, especially in vulnerable people.

Socioeconomic Drivers of Food Insecurity Among Rural Households: Evidence from Participating Farmers in the Integrated Rice-Fish System in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Nigeria has been facing a food crisis problem, with most of the poor population having limited access to adequate quantity and quality food. Food security reflects the stability of food supply, availability of, and access to food, and affects the amount of food consumed, which has implications for the population’s health. Thus, this study examined the socio-economic drivers of food security among smallholder rice farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Primary data was collected under the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish (Integrated rice-fish farming system) funded by USAID through a three-stage sampling technique. Foster–Greer–Thorbecke (FGT) and the Endogenous Switching Regression model were applied in the data analysis. The mean per capita household food expenditure is N 2,456.42, and the food security line is N 1,026.43. The food security measure shows that 46.67 percent of the households experience the incidence of food insecurity, 24.6 percent point is the food insecurity depth, and 17.2 percent point is the severity of food insecurity. The ESR model shows that the drivers of food security are access to credit, marital status, farming experience, primary occupation, education, and farm size. The study proposed implementing more developmental programmes that focus on poverty alleviation, which should be gender inclusive with an option of credit support to the rice farmers.

A Method for Assessing the Prevalence of Food Insecurity in Older Adults Based on Resource Constraints and Food-Related Physical Functioning Limitations

BackgroundOlder adults with food-related physical functioning limitations often face food insecurity because of challenges that go beyond resource constraints. Difficulties with food acquisition at retailers, and food preparation and consumption are not captured by the United States Department of Agriculture’s food security measure. ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to develop a method to assess the overall prevalence of food insecurity regardless of underlying cause using validated measures that capture both food-related physical functioning limitations and resource-constraint food hardships. It also aims to examine the validity of this method in relation to sociodemographic characteristics, health, appetite, and dietary outcomes. MethodsUsing information from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2007–2018), 10,237 adults aged 60 y and older with complete food security and food-related physical functioning limitations data were included in the study. Comparisons of the cross-classification method and the standard food security methods are made and their relationships with depression, self-reported health, and healthy eating index 2015 are examined using multiple linear regression models. ResultsUsing the cross-classification method, prevalence of low and very low food security because of resource constraints and food-related physical functioning limitations was found to be higher (13.6% and 7.3%, respectively) compared with food insecurity based solely on resource constraints (4.7% and 3.3%, respectively) or food-related physical functioning limitations (11.4% and 4.4%). Low and very low food security levels using the cross-classification method were associated with higher odds of depression and poor self-reported health, compared with the standard United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) resource-constrained food security measure. ConclusionsThe cross-classification method enables the identification of potentially food insecure older adults who might be classified otherwise if only each measure is used alone. This method serves as guidance for using both measures jointly to estimate food insecurity, regardless of its cause.

Nutrition Knowledge, English Adequacy, Women's Education, and Food Insecurity Among Syrian Refugees in Florida.

Objectives The objective of the study was to measure food security among Syrian refugees residing in urban and rural areas in Florida. Women's education, English proficiency, and nutrition knowledge were assessed to indicate their effects on food security in this population. Methods One-on-one interview questionnaires were administered to Syrian refugee households residing in Florida (n=80: n=43 in rural areas and n=37 in urban areas). The main outcomes were food insecurity, nutrition knowledge, English adequacy, and women's education. Results The main outcome of this study was the food security status among Syrian refugees residing in Florida. Among the total households, 80% were food insecure, and food insecurity was greater in rural areas (60.9%) than in urban areas (39.1%). The majority (57.5%) of participants scored fair nutrition knowledge. One-way frequency analysis showed that 75% of households had inadequate English. Around 23.7% of Syrian refugee women had a high school diploma or higher. Among these women, 68.4% were residing in urban areas. The chi-squared test showed significant differences in women's education in rural and urban areas (p=0.03). Nutrition knowledge was higher in urban areas compared to rural areas. The chi-squared test showed a significant difference in nutrition knowledge in urban and rural areas (p=0.04). The result of the multivariate logistic regression model indicated that the typeof residence, rural vs urban areas,had an inverse significant effect on food security after controlling for our variables. Syrian refugees in rural areas had 79.9 greater odds of being food insecure compared with urban areas (odds ratio: 0.201, 95% CI: 0.053-0.758, p=0.01). Conclusions Nutrition knowledge, English adequacy, and women's education may be less important than types of residence. The typeof residence is a contributing factor to food insecurity in Syrian refugees residing in Florida. A larger sample size would allow a clearer understanding of the relation of our variables with food insecurity.

Public Health Monitoring Based on Food Security Measures in Sustainable Smart City Development Using Machine Learning Techniques

Public Health Monitoring Based on Food Security Measures in Sustainable Smart City Development Using Machine Learning Techniques

The availability of food in Mexico: an approach to measuring food security

Background informationMexico faces a great challenge in producing, storing, and distributing food to guarantee the food security of its population. Natural disasters, climate change and changes in land cover are dynamic drivers affecting food production. In this study, we propose a method for assessing food security by evaluating the amount of food in Mexico that is available to meet the demand of its population. An indicator of food availability based on environmental, social, production and food supply variables is proposed.MethodsFood availability in Mexico's 2471 municipalities was assessed using five sub-indicators covering environmental and social conditions of production, food supply, caloric and protein sufficiency, and food supply. A database of 19 variables was integrated to calculate an index of food availability by municipality. Spatial analysis techniques were used to identify areas with specific needs and to formulate public policy recommendations.ResultsThe availability of food is not a problem at all in 90% of the municipalities in the country. We found that the environmental and social conditions are suitable for producing food from agriculture and livestock and there are sufficient food outlets. The caloric demand and protein requirements of the population can be met in at least 87% of the municipalities. Thus, the environmental and social conditions are good in more than 85% of the municipalities. If food production and availability are sufficient; then, the problem of food insecurity may be due to other causes.Conclusions and recommendationsThe conclusion is that food insecurity in Mexico is influenced by additional factors. An urgent intervention is needed, including public policies to provide economic support to the most affected segments of the population.

General Characteristics of Eastern Indonesian Household Dietary Diversity Score

Household dietary diversity score (HDDS) is a crucial indicator of food security and nutritional outcomes. The data collection was done from 2017 to 2018 in Eastern Indonesia. This study aimed to capture the characteristics of HDDS based on district, province, religion, and head of household age. This study used secondary data from the Coastal Community Development Project (CCDP), IFAD Impact Assessment Survey 2018. The total sample of this study was 2,884 households. The HDDS was calculated based on the score of 12 food groups and presented in a bar graph using STATA version 17. The result revealed that the lowest HDDS was found in the Kupang district, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Confucianism or Konghucu Religion, and 15 to 25 years of head of household age. Household dietary diversity score is a critical measure of food security and nutritional status, reflecting a household's access to a variety of foods. Understanding and addressing these determinants are essential for improving household dietary diversity and ultimately enhancing nutrition outcomes.

Recent Progress on the Application of Chitosan, Starch and Chitosan–Starch Composites for Meat Preservation—A Mini Review

The preservation of meat via sustainable methods and packaging is an area of continued interest driven by the need to address food security. The use of biomaterial films and coatings has gained significant attention due to their non-toxicity and biodegradability compared with conventional synthetic films. Starch and chitosan are sustainable sources for the preparation of films/coatings owing to their relatively low cost, natural abundance derived from numerous sources, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antimicrobial, antioxidant, and film-forming attributes. These remarkable features have notably increased the shelf life of meat by inhibiting lipid oxidation and microbial activity in food products. Furthermore, recent studies have successfully incorporated binary biopolymer (starch and chitosan) systems to combine their beneficial properties upon composite formation. This literature review from 2020 to the present reveals that chitosan- and starch-based films and coatings have potential to contribute to enhanced food security and safety measures whilst reducing environmental issues and improving sustainability, compared with conventional synthetic materials.

Burmese migrant domestic workers’ foodwork and biopedagogies in pandemic Singapore

COVID-19 not only increased food insecurity across the globe but has also given rise to pandemic-induced “biopedagogies,” a concept premised on conflating health with instructions on the “bios,” including how to live healthily, what to eat, and how much. Based on 24 qualitative interviews with low-waged migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in Singapore hailing from Myanmar, we explore how migrant women articulate and develop their own biopedagogical practices under pandemic-constrained circumstances. While live-in MDWs are invariably involved in preparing food for employers’ families as part of their care duties, and despite originating from historically food-producing regions, they are vulnerable to urban and cultural food insecurities at destination sites of migration given their diminished rights and subordinate positions in the household. Yet, these migrant women express agency in enacting counter-practices through their foodwork in at least two ways. First, MDWs cultivate self-care through cooking and consuming home foods during the pandemic and negotiating enough fortifying food for themselves while living in employers’ households. Secondly, through remittance-sending to left-behind families and children, they enact long-distance maternal carework through foodwork for health. We uncover how MDWs’ foodwork achieve a measure of food security despite language barriers, limited economic resources, lack of access to culturally appropriate foods at destination, and distance from their families. Experiencing vulnerability in terms of their occupational position, their plate, and the pandemic, this paper uncovers the stressors in achieving food security and health for themselves and families’ while working in Singapore.

Association of household food insecurity with sociodemographic factors and obesity in US youth: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2018.

The objective is to determine the prevalence of household food insecurity (HFI) based on sociodemographic factors and their relationship to obesity in youth. The study included a sample of 1,962 youth (aged 6-18) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The US Household Food Security Survey Module is used to measure food security over the past 12 months. Logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) while controlling for covariates. In total, 27.4% of the individuals surveyed experienced HFI. Youth from food insecure households were more likely to be obese (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.59 [95% confidence interval: 1.19-2.13]) and also having abdominal obesity (aOR: 1.56 [95% CI: 1.19-2.03]). however, factors such as non-Hispanic ethnicity, having a Head of household with a college degree, and households with an income exceeding 350% of the poverty line were associated with a reduced risk of facing HFI. Hispanic individuals, households with lower parental education levels, and lower family incomes, are disproportionately affected by food insecurity. Furthermore, HFI has been associated with an increased risk of overweight and abdominal obesity among youth. Addressing FI requires targeted policies and interventions that prioritize vulnerable groups.

Impact of COVID-19 on dietary diversity and food security in Pakistan: A comprehensive analysis

This study investigates the impact of COVID-19 on dietary diversity and food security in Pakistan's Punjab and Sindh provinces, assessing how the pandemic has influenced individuals' access to varied and nutritious foods. Utilizing data from 1067 respondents collected through online surveys, the research highlights significant changes in food consumption patterns, with infected individuals showing higher Dietary Diversity Scores (DDS) than those not infected. The findings indicate a shift towards more readily available and affordable food items such as cereals, fruits, and dairy products, reflecting adjustments in dietary habits during the pandemic. Socio-economic factors, including age, gender, urban residency, and wealth, were identified as key determinants of dietary diversity. Specifically, women and urban residents showed improved dietary habits during the pandemic. In addition, the study identifies nutritional awareness as a critical factor in promoting healthier food choices, suggesting that well-informed individuals have more diverse diets, which could aid in disease prevention, contributing to potential disease prevention. The research underscores the pandemic's profound effects on dietary patterns and food security. It calls for policy interventions focused on improving food access, enhancing public awareness on nutrition, and integrating food security measures into pandemic response strategies to support vulnerable populations and ensure long-term resilience against health crises.

Food Security Right and Food Policy in India

India’s food policy evolved in the wake of the Bengal Famine of 1943, which caused deaths of more than one million people. This famine was attributed partly to lack of adequate supplies of food grains and partly to lack of purchasing power of the victims. A Food grains Policy Committee was appointed in 1943 under the chairmanship Sir George Theodore. The Committee recommended rationing of food grains to overcome similar grave situations in future. Since then, successive governments have been trying to (i) increase the level of food grains production in the country through offering minimum support price (MSP) to the farmers and (ii) to create mechanism for supply of grains to consumers. Public Distribution System (PDS) has been evolved to safeguard the interests of the consumers, particularly the weaker and vulnerable sections of society. It is evident that since India’s Independence food and agricultural policies in the country have aimed at reducing hunger, food insecurity and poverty. At the same time attention has also been given to raise food grains production and maintaining adequate stocks of food grains as a measure of food security (Tyagi, 1990). Attainment of food security is, therefore, a big challenge for India. This research paper discusses the food security right and National food policy in India.

Differing Within-Household Food Security Statuses Are Associated with Varied Maternal Mental Health Outcomes.

Household food insecurity is not necessarily equally experienced by all household members, with mothers often changing their intake first when food resources are limited. The purpose of this study was to understand the association between maternal mental health and intrahousehold differences in food security statuses. A cross-sectional survey was administered to Virginia mothers with low income (August-October 2021), assessing validated measures of food security, mental and physical health and related factors. Participants (n = 570) were grouped according to the food security status of adults and children within the household. Linear regression was used to assess the outcomes of interest by group and controlled for key demographic variables. Mothers in households with any food insecurity reported worse overall mental health and used 3-4 more food coping strategies than households experiencing food security (p < 0.05). Only mothers in households where adults experienced food insecurity reported significantly greater anxiety and depressive symptoms (61.5 and 58.1, respectively) compared to households experiencing food security (55.7 and 52.4, p < 0.001). While any experience of household food insecurity is associated with worse maternal mental health, there were differences by the within-household food security status. Future research should explore screening measures that capture specific household members' food security to connect households with available resources.

Food (in)security in relation to nutrition (in)security in a national cross-sectional sample of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants: considerations of an emerging construct

BackgroundFood insecurity, lack of access to sufficient food for an active, healthy life, is a persistent problem in the United States. Recently, nutrition security has emerged as a new concept. However, limited research exists examining how nutrition security relates to the established concept of food security. ObjectivesThis study assessed a recent metric of nutrition security and explored how well it describes the underlying construct among a sample of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants. We examined the correlation between food and nutrition security and demographic predictors of joint food and nutrition security status. MethodsWe conducted a national, web-based survey (Qualtrics; 30 September–19 October, 2022) in English and Spanish of adults aged ≥18 y (n = 1454) who reported receiving SNAP benefits in the past 12 mo. We measured food security using the US Department of Agriculture 6-item Food Security Survey and assessed nutrition security using the Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition Household Nutrition Security measure. We used multinominal logistic regression to examine demographic predictors of food and nutrition security. ResultsThe majority (80.4%) of SNAP participants experienced food insecurity, and 59.1% reported experiencing nutrition insecurity. Food and nutrition security were moderately correlated (0.41); 55.6% of SNAP participants were both food and nutrition insecure, 3.5% were food secure but nutrition insecure, 24.8% were food insecure but nutrition secure, and 16.1% were both food and nutrition secure. Of SNAP participants, 24.8% reported experiencing food insecurity but not nutrition insecurity. Hispanic ethnicity and Southern residence were associated with joint food and nutrition insecurity. ConclusionsThese findings raise questions about how nutrition security is conceptualized and measured and its added value beyond existing food security measurement scales. Further research is needed to understand differences in food and nutrition security experiences and risk factors and determine a validated definition and measure of nutrition security for future policy solutions.