Assessing Food Insecurity among US Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This research examines the intersection of social vulnerability, risk, and their impact on individual food insecurity odds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data come from a national, post-stratification weighted sample of U.S. adults (n = 10,368). Logistic regression analysis confirms what we hypothesized – socially vulnerable, fearful, persons in poorer health, and those with higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms have higher food insecurity odds. Findings underscore the importance of redesigning food systems in the U.S. during health crises like the current one; alternative strategies to meet increased food needs in the face of a pandemic are discussed.