High Prevalence Of Food Insecurity Research Articles

Hospital-Based, Community Teaching Kitchen Integrates Diabetes Education, Culinary Medicine, and Food Assistance: Case Study During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Recent USDA Economic Research Service Population Survey cites a stabilization of food insecurity overall in the USA between 2019 and 2020, but Black, Hispanic, and all households with children cited increases - underscoring that the COVID-19 pandemic caused severe disruptions to food insecurity for historically disenfranchised populations. Describe lessons learned, considerations, and recommendations from the experience of a community teaching kitchen (CTK) in addressing food insecurity and chronic disease management among patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Providence CTK is co-located at Providence Milwaukie Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Providence CTK serves patients who report a higher prevalence of food insecurity and multiple chronic conditions. Providence CTK has five components: chronic disease self-management education, culinary nutrition education, patient navigation, a medical referral-based food pantry (Family Market), and an immersive training environment. CTK staff highlight that they provided food and education support when it was needed most, leveraged existing partnerships and staffing to sustain operations and Family Market accessibility, shifted delivery of educational services based-on billing and virtual service considerations, and repurposed roles to support evolving needs. The Providence CTK case study provides a blueprint for how healthcare organizations could design a model of culinary nutrition education that is immersive, empowering, and inclusive.

Meal Vouchers Matter for Academic Attainment: A Community College Field Experiment

Given growing awareness of the high prevalence of food insecurity among college students, higher education leaders are implementing various food interventions on their campuses. However, there is little research on the efficacy and impact of these initiatives. Using data from a field randomized control trial, we find that a relatively modest financial investment in campus meal cards coupled with proactive outreach by an existing campus office improved community college students’ academic attainment outcomes. Students who were invited to participate in the meal voucher program attempted and completed more credits during their first year of college and were more likely to graduate in 2 years than otherwise similar peers, indicating that a campus meal program can promote college success.

Sociodemographic patterning of dietary profiles among Inuit youth and adults in Nunavik, Canada: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesCountry (traditional) foods are integral to Inuit culture, but market food consumption is increasing. The Qanuilirpitaa? 2017 Nunavik Health Survey (Q2017) reported similar country food consumption frequency compared to that in 2004; however, examining food items individually does not account for diet patterns, food accessibility, and correlations between food items. Our objective was to identify underlying dietary profiles and compare them across sex, age, ecological region, and food insecurity markers, given the links among diet, health, and sociocultural determinants.MethodsFood frequency and sociodemographic data were derived from the Q2017 survey (N = 1176). Latent profile analysis identified dietary profiles using variables for the relative frequencies of country and market food consumption first, followed by an analysis with those for country food variables only. Multinomial logistic regression examined the associations among dietary profiles, sociodemographic factors, and food insecurity markers (to disassociate between food preferences and food access).ResultsFour overall dietary profiles and four country food dietary profiles were identified characterized by the relative frequency of country and market food in the diet. The patterns were stable across several sensitivity analyses and in line with our Inuit partners’ local knowledge. For the overall profiles, women and adults aged 30–49 years were more likely to have a market food–dominant profile, whereas men and individuals aged 16–29 and 50+ years more often consumed a country food–dominant profile. In the country food profiles, Inuit aged 16–29 years were more likely to have a moderate country food profile whereas Inuit aged 50+ were more likely to have a high country food–consumption profile. A low country and market food–consumption profile was linked to higher prevalence of food insecurity markers.ConclusionWe were able to identify distinct dietary profiles with strong social patterning. The profiles elucidated in this study are aligned with the impact of colonial influence on diet and subsequent country food promotion programs for Inuit youth. These profiles will be used for further study of nutritional status, contaminant exposure, and health to provide context for future public health programs.

The Interactions of Food Security, Health, and Loneliness among Rural Older Adults before and after the Onset of COVID-19

Older adults and those living in rural areas face unique challenges to health and food security which were exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examine the interrelationships among food security, physical health, and loneliness among rural older adults before the onset of and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from a cross-sectional household survey of older adults in rural Indiana, administered May 2020 through July 2020, our results show a higher prevalence of food insecurity, poorer physical health, and increased loneliness after the onset of the pandemic. Path analyses confirmed the interrelationship between food security, health, and the absence of loneliness before and after the onset of COVID-19. Loneliness emerged as a major pathway through which the pandemic impacted quality of life, particularly affecting older women and physical health. Policy initiatives should consider the unique experiences and challenges associated with rural life among older adults and create food security initiatives that incorporate socialization while also considering the challenges associated with poor physical health in older age. Furthermore, our analysis shows that those who are vulnerable to food security, poor health, and loneliness in the absence of a global pandemic remain vulnerable during a pandemic.

Epigenetic alteration of BDNF gene, social and health status as predictors of food and nutrition insecurity among familiar coffee farmers

Introduction: state of Food and Nutritional Security (FNS) is one that should guarantee the right of permanent access to quality food and in sufficient quantity without prejudicing access to other basic rights. In Brazil, rural family farming establishments represent 84.4% of total agricultural establishments and contribute to more than 70% of all food consumed by Brazilians. In this context, the production of the coffee commodity stands out. However, despite being food producers, they do not earn a good income. Slow economic activity can lead to loss of wages and income, illness, as well as food insecurity (FNiS). In addition, the molecular effects of FNiS are poorly studied, especially epigenetic. Objective: the objective of the present study is to analyze the association between Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) DNA methylation and socio demographic, lifestyle, and epigenetic factors, among coffee farmers in the Caparaó zone, in Espirito Santo, Southeast Brazil. Methods: the study was carried out in 22 randomly selected coffee producing communities in Zona Caparaó, an area that produces coffee of recognized quality. A total of 570 coffee farming households, 18 to 60 years of age, were included in the study by answering a questionnaire about socioeconomic characteristics, land use and ownership, behavior, health, and working conditions. FNiS evaluation was carried out using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. BDNF exon I methylation was examined by methylation-specific PCR. Body mass index and biochemical analyses were performed. Logistic regression models were used to verify factors associated with FNiS (p<0.05). Data were analyzed using the Stata® statistical software package version 14. Results: the FNiS prevalence found was 23.68%. In multivariable logistic regression, the occurrence of FNiS was associated with hypermethylation of exon I of the BDNF promoter exon I [ORa = 5.03 (95% (1.98, 12.82)] when compared to the unmethylated gene. Moreover, FNiS was associated with excessive workload [ORa = 3.36 (1.23, 9.22)], possession of less land (hectares) [ORa = 0.77 (0.67, 0.90)] and greater number symptoms and / or illnesses in real life [ORa = 1.12 (1.04.1.20)]. Conclusion: there is a high prevalence of Food Insecurity in the studied region. This phenomenon was associated with epigenetic factors (BDNF methylation), excessive workload, small land ownership and a greater number of diseases / symptoms. Food insecurity is a psychosocial stressor that can lead to epigenetic changes in the BDNF gene, responsible for regulating cognitive functions, neuronal survival and involved in the genesis of psychiatric diseases.

Higher Prevalence of Food Insecurity and Psychological Distress among International University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Australian Perspective.

The COVID-19 pandemic and related disruptions have not only affected university students' learning and academic outcomes, but also other issues, such as food security status, mental health and employment. In Australia, international students faced additional pressures due to sudden border closures and lack of eligibility for government-provided financial support. This study explored the experiences of domestic and international university students residing in Australia during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic across a range of outcomes. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between July and September 2020 at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. The online survey included food insecurity status, mental health (psychological distress), disruptions to study, employment and sleep. A total of 105 students (n = 66 domestic and n = 39 international) completed the survey. Respondents reported having food insecurity (41.9%) and psychological distress (52.2%, with high and very high levels), with international students reporting significantly higher food insecurity (OR = 9.86 (95% CI 3.9-24.8), p < 0.001) and psychological distress scores (t(90) = 2.68, 95% CI: 1.30 to 8.81, p = 0.009) than domestic students. About one quarter of all respondents reported disruptions to study and employment status around the time of the survey. When asked what government support should be provided for international students, 'financial aid' was the most frequently suggested form of support. This research may help governments and educational institutions design appropriate support, particularly financial and psychological, for both international and domestic university students.

Implementing a Process for Screening Hospitalized Adults for Food Insecurity at a Tertiary Care Center.

Food insecurity has been linked to numerous chronic conditions and higher healthcare costs; however, screening for food insecurity lags behind screening for other social determinants of health, particularly in the hospital setting. Although our hospital serves a population with a high prevalence of food insecurity, no process previously existed to universally screen patients. Our multidisciplinary team developed and implemented a process to screen hospitalized adults for food insecurity and connect them with food resources, which we piloted on a 26-bed hospital medicine unit. We integrated a validated 2-item screen into the electronic health record (EHR) nursing admission workflow, and provided 2 weeks of nursing education before process implementation. Adherence to screening was monitored weekly and adjustments were made using plan-do-study-act cycles. After 28 weeks, 361/587 (61.5%; weekly average 61.1%) encounters were screened (compared with a baseline of 2.2%), with 21/361 (5.8%) identified as food insecure. The implementation of an EHR-based food insecurity screening process in the hospital setting increased screening and identification of food insecure patients. Through improved integration of screening questions into the existing nursing workflow and continued education, success was sustained despite challenges with nursing staff turnover and staff shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"You Feel Out of Place": A PhotoVoice Study of the Impact of Food Insecurity on College Students.

Purpose:There is a high prevalence of food insecurity on college campuses in the United States. Quantitative research has shown that experiencing food insecurity during college is associated with adverse academic, health, and social-emotional outcomes. Research is needed to better understand how food insecurity impacts the lived experiences of students. This study aims to understand students' experiences of food insecurity, with a particular focus on their coping strategies and the effects of food insecurity on their health and academic achievement.Methods:An adaptation of the PhotoVoice method was used to understand how food insecurity affected 10 college students at a large, Midwestern university. Students submitted photos around their experiences of food insecurity and completed an in-depth interview about their photos. The interviews were analyzed for thematic content using an iterative, inductive approach.Results:Four themes emerged from the results: (1) economic coping mechanisms, (2) behavioral coping mechanisms; (3) alternate ways to acquire food; and (4) psychosocial and academic consequences.Conclusion:These findings provide context to the negative impacts of food insecurity on students' academic and health outcomes, and add to the growing body of qualitative research that is needed to inform practices and policies to address food insecurity on college campuses.

College Campus Food Pantry Program Evaluation: What Barriers Do Students Face to Access On-Campus Food Pantries?

The purpose of this study was to explore barriers Texas Woman’s University (TWU) students face in accessing on-campus food pantries. This cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted in Fall 2021. Students’ use of the food pantries and barriers to utilization, including qualitative questions, were evaluated using descriptive statistics and thematic analyses. Students (n = 529) completed the survey. Despite a high prevalence of food insecurity (49.2%), most students reported never using the pantries (89.8%). Almost half of the students were unaware that these pantries existed on campus (47.8%). More than one in four students believed there were barriers to accessing the pantries, with time tissues, lack of transportation, limited food pantry hours of operation, and social stigma most commonly cited as major barriers to access. Food insecurity remains an urgent problem at TWU since the prevalence has remained high since 2019 despite the institutions’ efforts to reduce it. One of those resources has not been utilized as expected, which might impede improvements in food security among students. TWU on-campus food pantries can use these findings to address major barriers by offering after-hours access through the libraries or campus police, partnering with public transportation, and normalizing accessing food assistance.

P147 Comparing Communities Based on Population Density to Inform Meal Kit Intervention Recruitment of Families with Low Income

<h3>Background</h3> Best practice for community-based interventions includes partnering with community stakeholders for study design, implementation, and evaluation. Successful recruitment of families with low income into these studies requires an understanding of community characteristics, potential barriers to participation, and recruitment strategies. Local stakeholder advisory committees are critical for this process as community needs and residents differ. <h3>Objective</h3> To compare stakeholder perceptions of community characteristics and suggested recruitment strategies for participation in a healthy meal kit intervention for families with low income for three Florida communities (rural, suburban, and urban) with a high prevalence of food insecurity. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> Community stakeholders, referred by established partners, from rural (n = 10), suburban (n = 9), and urban (n = 10) neighborhoods participated in six semi-structured focus groups and completed a demographic survey. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> Meetings were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded, and categorized by two researchers to identify common themes. Perceived community characteristics and suggested recruitment strategies were compared using cross-tab analysis. <h3>Results</h3> Stakeholders (11 male, 17 female, 1 preferred not to answer) were 50.2 ± 12.9 years old, primarily non-Hispanic (89.7%) and white (65.5%). All stakeholders work in their respective communities and resided (n = 9) there for an average of 35.3 ± 21.0 years. Most (62.1%) had never purchased a meal kit. A similar community characteristic theme across all three groups was financial instability, although both rural and urban participants identified difficulty accessing fresh fruits and vegetables (F&V). Suburban and urban participants described their communities as diverse in age, culture, and/or spoken languages. Rural and urban stakeholders discussed local initiatives to increase fresh F&V access while suburban and urban stakeholders highlighted intracommunity partnerships. Recruitment strategies were more similar than not. All stakeholders suggested connecting with media outlets, schools, and faith-based and community organizations. Rural and urban stakeholders suggested presentations on the study. Suburban stakeholders suggested partnering with government agencies. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Community-specific nuances should be considered when recruiting for a healthy, community-based meal kit intervention intended to increase access to healthy foods for families with low income. <h3>Funding</h3> Walmart Foundation

Social Relationships, Food Security, Protein Intake, and Hospitalization in Homebound Older Adults: A PATH Analysis

The objective of this study was to measure direct and indirect relationships between food insecurity (FI), protein intake, social relationships, depressive symptoms, and their impact on hospitalization among home-delivered meal (HDM) recipients, compared to controls, using structural equation modeling. The analysis used data from the National Outcomes Evaluation Study (2015–2017) of the OAANSP. HDM recipients’ mean usual protein intake was significantly higher than controls, but both groups had mean intakes below recommendations. Eating alone was inversely associated with lower protein intake and greater hospitalizations in controls. FI, prevalent in 25.1% of HDM recipient and 16% of controls, was associated with lower protein intake in both groups. Receiving instrumental social support was directly associated with lesser severity of FI in recipients. and more depressive symptoms only in controls. HDM recipients and controls may be at high risk for protein insufficiency, underscored by high prevalence of FI.

College Students’ Experience Utilizing a Food Scholarship Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ObjectivesIn 2020, students reported a high prevalence of food insecurity during the recent coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic at a public university. Despite closure of the campus during the pandemic, a Food Scholarship Program (FSP) continued to provide students with food twice a month to help mitigate food insecurity. The purpose of this study was to assess the diet quality among college students participating in the FSP during the pandemic and their experience with the program using mixed methods. MethodsStudents were recruited for this cross-sectional study by email and flyers. Students participating in FSP completed: 1) an online survey including the 6-item USDA food security survey and sociodemographic questions; 2) ASA-24 dietary recall; and 3) Zoom interviews to discuss their experience during the pandemic. In-depth interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded by two people using thematic analysis. Nutrient intake and Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 scores were calculated. ResultsThe thirteen participants were primarily females (77%), Asian (54%), graduate students (54%), and average age was 26 years. Food insecurity was high (46%). HEI scores (57 ± 16) indicated diets did not align with the 2015 dietary recommendations. Intake of added sugar (66 ± 24 g/d) averaged 17% (11% - 23%) of total caloric intake and exceeded recommendations of <10% per day. Finances impacted student food choices (40%). Interviews revealed that students decreased shopping frequency (40%), bought more food in bulk (40%), prepared more food at home (40%), reduced take-out food/eating in restaurants (80%), decreased the amount of food eaten (30%), and increased more curbside ordering (20%). Students utilized the FSP primarily for financial reasons (90%) and convenience (30%). Overall, students reported a positive experience (70%) with the FSP. ConclusionsThe qualitative responses from the interviews support the quantitative results regarding food insecurity and diet quality. Nevertheless, food insecurity remained high, and diet quality remained suboptimal. More work is warranted to improve food security and diet quality among college students, especially during situations such as COVID-19. Funding SourcesMoore-Khourie Grant, USDA Children’s Nutrition Research Center.

Food Insecurity and Health-Related Concerns Among Elementary Schoolteachers During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

IntroductionUS school systems underwent major upheaval, including closures, implementation of virtual and/or hybrid learning, and stringent infection mitigation protocols, during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to examine the association between food insecurity and perceived health, perceived stress, and social determinants of health concerns among elementary schoolteachers serving predominantly low-income children during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsBrighter Bites, a nonprofit organization that weekly distributes fresh fruits and vegetables and nutrition education materials to more than 300 schools serving racial and ethnic minority populations with low income, conducts annual surveys of participating teachers to help determine subsequent efforts to support schools and families during the school year. We analyzed self-reported data collected electronically by the Brighter Bites teachers survey in 76 elementary schools during summer 2020. We used generalized linear mixed models to measure the association between food insecurity and health-related concerns.ResultsOf 862 teachers who responded to the survey, 685 answered the 2 questions about food insecurity status; of these, 199 (29.1%) reported experiencing food insecurity. Food insecurity was positively associated with poor perceived general health, greater perceived stress, concerns about various social determinants of health, and changes in fruit and vegetable consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionOur study demonstrated the high prevalence of food insecurity and highlights its associated factors among elementary schoolteachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It calls attention to the high correlation of various concerns among elementary schoolteachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further intervention and policy efforts are needed to relieve food insecurity–related concerns and enhance well-being among teachers.

Food Insecurity among College Students

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and determinants of food insecurity among college students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) during the COVID 19 pandemic. &#x0D; &#x0D; DESIGN: Cross-sectional study that collected online survey data from a convenience sample of college students. Setting: UNLV, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Participants: 310 UNLV students 18 years of age and older, who were enrolled during the 2020 Fall semester. &#x0D; &#x0D; RESULTS: A total of 29.4% (n=97) of the study participants were food insecure. Students with a household income greater than $50,000 were 81% less likely to be food insecure (P &amp;lt; 0.01) compared to students with a household income lower than $50,000. Students who reported their general health as good, fair, or poor were 2.19 times more likely to be food insecure (P = 0.02) compared to students who reported their general health as excellent or very good. For each increase in GPA of 1 point, the odds of being food insecure decreased by 58% (P = 0.01). &#x0D; &#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the high prevalence of food insecurity among UNLV students and provides public health professionals and policymakers with the scientific basis to develop interventions and policies aimed at reducing the rates of food insecurity among college students.

Fatores associados à insegurança alimentar em gestantes atendidas na rede pública de saúde de Lavras - Minas Gerais

Abstract Objectives: to investigate sociodemographic and economic factors associated with food insecurity among pregnant women assisted by the universal healthcare network of Lavras, Minas Gerais. Methods: a cross-sectional study investigated socioeconomic and demographic, obstetric, and nutritional conditions experienced by pregnant women. Households in which pregnant women lived were classified as food secure or food insecure using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. Prevalence estimates and prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals were generated to test for associations between food insecurity and several socioeconomic and demographic indicators using Poisson regression analysis. Results: among 173 pregnant women who participated in the study, 48% lived in households with some level of food insecurity. Adjusted models showed that pregnant women living in food-insecure households had higher prevalence ratios of lower education attainment (aPR = 1.43, CI95% = 1.07-1.91), woman being the head of the household (aPR = 1.39, CI95% = 1.02-1.87), having family monthly income lower than 1 ½ MW (aPR = 1.68, CI95% = 1.11-2.52) and participating in the government cash transfer program (aPR = 1.47, CI95% = 1.08-1.99). Conclusions: the high prevalence of food insecurity in pregnant women assisted by the public healthcare system was associated with structural social factors. Results of this study will contribute to develop an intersectoral health and nutrition policy in order to promote food security among marginalized communities and vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women.

Prevalence of Female Athlete Triad Risk Factors among Female International Volunteers and College Age-Matched Controls.

This study retrospectively compared the prevalence of factors related to the female athlete triad (low energy availability, secondary amenorrhea (SA), low bone mineral density (BMD)), and post-study BMD of female college students and female international volunteer missionaries (volunteers). Female college students (21–26 years) completed a survey that retrospectively assessed an 18-month study period (volunteer service or first 18 months of college); Diet History Questionnaire III (DHQ III) and Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scan were optional. One-way ANOVAs and chi-squared distributions assessed group differences. Logistic regression assessed covariates of SA and BMD; corresponding odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.001. 3683 participants (58.8% volunteers, 31.5% non-volunteers, 9.8% others) provided complete survey data; 246 completed the DHQ III, and 640 had a post-study DXA scan. Volunteers had higher metabolic equivalent (MET) hours than non-volunteers and others (p < 0.001), and higher prevalence of food insecurity (p < 0.001) and SA (p < 0.001). Volunteers had higher odds of SA (OR = 2.17, CI = 1.75–2.62) than non-volunteers. Weight loss, body satisfaction, “other” weight loss methods, increased MET hours, and vomiting during the study period increased participants’ odds of SA. Participants’ average BMD Z-scores were within the expected range at all sites, with no significant group differences. Volunteers’ higher MET hours and higher prevalence of food insecurity and SA did not result in significantly lower post-study period BMD.

Exploring Barriers to Food Security Among Immigrants: A Critical Role for Public Health Nutrition.

Upon moving to a new country and new food environment, 2 important public health issues may be experienced by immigrants as they adapt to their new country of residence, namely a higher prevalence of food insecurity and/or a decline in overall health over time postimmigration. Therefore, improving the food environment experienced by new migrants may be an effective strategy to reduce long-term health complications and improve well-being postimmigration. The aim of this paper is to discuss the potential barriers experienced by new immigrants in the access, availability, and utilization of familiar culturally appropriate foods and the subsequent impact on their food security status. Culturally appropriate foods are foods commonly consumed as part of cultural food traditions and are often staples within the diet; however, limited availability of and/or access to these foods can reduce food security. By understanding the barriers to food security and challenges that may be faced by immigrants and refugees, dietitians will be better equipped to assist these individuals in accessing culturally familiar foods and improve quality of life. In this capacity, dietitians can play a critical public health nutrition role by serving as a conduit for new immigrants to access community resources and navigate a new food environment.

Gender differences in the use of coping strategies to reduce food insecurity in Colombia.

This study explores the gender differences in the use of coping strategies to reduce food insecurity in Colombian urban and rural households. Data was collected from the Colombian National Survey of Nutritional Status (ENSIN 2015), and analyzed using ordinal logistic regression models, logistic models, and simultaneous equation models. Results show that rural households have a higher prevalence of food insecurity than their urban counterparts. After adjusting for household characteristics - e.g., head of household schooling level -, urban households were more likely to present severe and moderate food insecurity, whereas rural households were more likely to experience mild food insecurity. This result was explained by self-consumption and certain coping strategies, such as selling seeds from the next harvest or animals, implemented by rural households. Even though female-headed households present on average higher levels of food insecurity than male-headed ones, because they are more likely to use coping strategies, especially in rural areas, they can reduce and even cancel out this gap. Hence, female heads are more successful in mitigating food insecurity.

Household Food Insecurity Status and Determinants: The Case of Botswana and South Africa

This study used a survey questionnaire to investigate the state and determinants of household food security in South Africa and Botswana. In South Africa, 1557 households in two District Municipalities within Eastern Cape Province participated in the study. In Botswana, data was collected from 506 in Southern Kanye, southeast District, and Gaborone households. The paper employed Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and Prevalence to investigate the state food security across the sample population. The Household Food Insecurity Access Prevalence was used to determine the characteristics of and changes in household food insecurity of the sample households. The linear and ordinal regression analyses were carried out to outline determinants of food insecurity in the region. Findings emanating from the current study show a high prevalence of food insecurity in both countries. Meanwhile, geographical location, household size, and socio-economic infrastructure emerged as common determinants of food security for Botswana and South Africa. The paper recommends state-mediated intervention to improve access to basic socio-economic infrastructure and address unemployment rates in both countries as key areas to improve food security status.

A Multi-Site Analysis of the Prevalence of Food Insecurity in the United States, before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic profoundly affected food systems including food security. Understanding how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted food security is important to provide support and identify long-term impacts and needs.ObjectiveThe National Food Access and COVID research Team (NFACT) was formed to assess food security over different US study sites throughout the pandemic, using common instruments and measurements. This study presents results from 18 study sites across 15 states and nationally over the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA validated survey instrument was developed and implemented in whole or part through an online survey of adults across the sites throughout the first year of the pandemic, representing 22 separate surveys. Sampling methods for each study site were convenience, representative, or high-risk targeted. Food security was measured using the USDA 6-item module. Food security prevalence was analyzed using ANOVA by sampling method to assess statistically significant differences.ResultsRespondents (n = 27,168) indicate higher prevalence of food insecurity (low or very low food security) since the COVID-19 pandemic, compared with before the pandemic. In nearly all study sites, there is a higher prevalence of food insecurity among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), households with children, and those with job disruptions. The findings demonstrate lingering food insecurity, with high prevalence over time in sites with repeat cross-sectional surveys. There are no statistically significant differences between convenience and representative surveys, but a statistically higher prevalence of food insecurity among high-risk compared with convenience surveys.ConclusionsThis comprehensive study demonstrates a higher prevalence of food insecurity in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. These impacts were prevalent for certain demographic groups, and most pronounced for surveys targeting high-risk populations. Results especially document the continued high levels of food insecurity, as well as the variability in estimates due to the survey implementation method.