The Early Food Insecurity Impacts of COVID-19

Background COVID-19 has disrupted food access and impacted food insecurity, which is associated with numerous adverse individual and public health outcomes. Methods We conducted a statewide population-level survey in Vermont from March 29-April 12, 2020, during the beginning of a statewide stay-at-home order. We utilized the USDA six-item validated food security module to measure food insecurity before COVID-19 and since COVID-19. We assessed food insecurity prevalence and reported food access challenges, coping strategies, and perceived helpful interventions among food secure, consistently food insecure (pre-and post COVID-19), and newly food insecure (post COVID-19) respondents. Results Among 3,219 respondents, there was a 33% increase in household food insecurity since COVID-19 (p<0.001), with 35.6% of food insecure households classified as newly food insecure. Respondents experiencing a job loss were more likely to experience food insecurity (OR 3.43; 95% CI, 2.45-4.80). Multiple physical and economic barriers, as well as concerns related to food access during COVID-19, are reported, with respondents experiencing household food insecurity more likely to face access challenges (p<0.001). Significant differences in coping strategies were documented between respondents in newly food insecure vs. consistently insecure households. Conclusions Since the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant increase in food insecurity in Vermont, accompanied by major food access barriers. These findings have important potential impacts on individual health, including mental health and malnutrition, as well as on future healthcare costs. We suggest proactive strategies to address food insecurity during this crisis.

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The Early Food Insecurity Impacts of COVID-19

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12072096 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (7) ◽

pp. 2096 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Meredith T. Niles ◽

Farryl Bertmann ◽

Emily H. Belarmino ◽

Thomas Wentworth ◽

Erin Biehl ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Food Access ◽

Population Level ◽

The United States ◽

Household Food Insecurity ◽

United States Department ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Household Food

COVID-19 has disrupted food access and impacted food insecurity, which is associated with numerous adverse individual and public health outcomes. To assess these challenges and understand their impact on food security, we conducted a statewide population-level survey using a convenience sample in Vermont from 29 March to 12 April 2020, during the beginning of a statewide stay-at-home order. We utilized the United States Department of Agriculture six-item validated food security module to measure food insecurity before COVID-19 and since COVID-19. We assessed food insecurity prevalence and reported food access challenges, coping strategies, and perceived helpful interventions among food secure, consistently food insecure (pre-and post-COVID-19), and newly food insecure (post COVID-19) respondents. Among 3219 respondents, there was nearly a one-third increase (32.3%) in household food insecurity since COVID-19 (p < 0.001), with 35.5% of food insecure households classified as newly food insecure. Respondents experiencing a job loss were at higher odds of experiencing food insecurity (OR 3.06; 95% CI, 2.114–0.46). We report multiple physical and economic barriers, as well as concerns related to food access during COVID-19. Respondents experiencing household food insecurity had higher odds of facing access challenges and utilizing coping strategies, including two-thirds of households eating less since COVID-19 (p < 0.001). Significant differences in coping strategies were documented between respondents in newly food insecure vs. consistently insecure households. These findings have important potential impacts on individual health, including mental health and malnutrition, as well as on future healthcare costs. We suggest proactive strategies to address food insecurity during this crisis.

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Household Food Insecurity Predicts Childhood Undernutrition: A Cross-Sectional Study in West Oromia (Ethiopia)

Journal of Environmental and Public Health ◽

10.1155/2020/5871980 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Wondu Garoma Berra

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Status ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Food Access ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Household Food Insecurity ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Child Undernutrition ◽

Household Food ◽

Food Insecure Households

Background. Despite mixed reports, food insecurity emerges as a predictor of nutritional status, assumably limiting the quantity and quality of dietary intake. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of childhood undernutrition and food insecurity is highly pronounced. However, whether household food insecurity predicts undernutrition in children was not yet well established. Thus, the aim of the present study was to identify the link between household food access and undernutrition in children aged 6–23 months in West Oromia zones, Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 525 households during June–October 2016. Food access was measured as Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Semistructured interviewer-administered questionnaires were employed to collect data on sociodemographics, child health, child dietary practices, household food security, and anthropometrics. The height and weight of children aged 6–23 months in each household were measured. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to assess the association between household food insecurity and child nutritional status measured from undernutrition indicators. Results. Overall, more than two-thirds (69%) of households were classified as food insecure (had insufficient access to adequate food), with a mean (SD) household food access score of 7.9 (7.7). The respective prevalence of mild and moderate food-insecure households was 56.6% and 12.4%. Higher proportions of children in food-insecure households were stunted (41.8% vs. 15.5%), underweight (22.0% vs. 6.1%), and wasted (14.9% vs. 6.1%). Overall, the prevalence of child undernutrition was 21.3% in the target population, with 16.2% stunted, 6.9% underweight, and 6.3% wasted. The present finding shows food-secure households were 54% protective (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.25–0.84) for child undernutrition. Compared to children in food-secure households, children who were reportedly living in moderately food-insecure households were over twice more likely stunted (OR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.02–4.28) and over 4 times more likely underweight (OR: 4.73, 95% CI: 1.81–12.35). However, household food insecurity was not a correlate for acute malnutrition (wasting) in children. Conclusions. The prevalence of household’s food insecurity situation is very common and more pronounced among households with undernourished children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia. The analysis of this work shows that moderately food-insecure households are a salient predictor for composite undernutrition, stunting, and underweight, but not for wasting. Thus, this finding informs the need for multisectoral strategies and policies to combat household’s food insecurity and multiple forms of child undernutrition, beyond the socioeconomic wellbeing.

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A Food Insecurity Systematic Review: Experience from Malaysia

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13030945 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 945

Author(s):

Norhasmah Sulaiman ◽

Heather Yeatman ◽

Joanna Russell ◽

Leh Shii Law

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Low Income ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Welfare Recipient ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Household Food Insecurity ◽

Household Food

Living free from hunger is a basic human right. However, some communities still experience household food insecurity. This systematic literature review explored different aspects of household food insecurity in Malaysia including vulnerable groups, prevalence, risk factors, coping strategies, and the consequences of food insecurity. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Thirty-three relevant articles were selected from scientific databases such as CINAHL, Pubmed and Google Scholar, scrutiny of reference lists, and personal communication with experts in the field. The prevalence of household food insecurity in Malaysia was unexpectedly reported as high, with affected groups including Orang Asli, low-income household/welfare-recipient households, university students, and the elderly. Demographic risk factors and socioeconomic characteristics included larger household, living in poverty, and low education. Coping strategies were practices to increase the accessibility of food in their households. Consequences of household food insecurity included psychological, dietary (macro- and micronutrient intakes), nutritional status, and health impacts. In conclusion, this review confirmed that household food insecurity in Malaysia continues to exist. Nevertheless, extensive and active investigations are encouraged to obtain a more holistic and comprehensive picture pertaining to household food security in Malaysia.

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Impact of COVID-19 on household food insecurity and interlinkages with child feeding practices and coping strategies in Uttar Pradesh, India: a longitudinal community-based study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-048738 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. e048738

Author(s):

Phuong Hong Nguyen ◽

Shivani Kachwaha ◽

Anjali Pant ◽

Lan M Tran ◽

Sebanti Ghosh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Insecurity ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Uttar Pradesh ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

Community Based ◽

Child Feeding ◽

Household Food ◽

Child Feeding Practices ◽

Food Insecure Households ◽

And Coping

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic has profound negative impacts on people’s lives, but little is known on its effect on household food insecurity (HFI) in poor setting resources. This study assessed changes in HFI during the pandemic and examined the interlinkages between HFI with child feeding practices and coping strategies.DesignA longitudinal survey in December 2019 (in-person) and August 2020 (by phone).SettingCommunity-based individuals from 26 blocks in 2 districts in Uttar Pradesh, India.ParticipantsMothers with children <2 years (n=569).Main outcomes and analysesWe measured HFI by using the HFI Access Scale and examined the changes in HFI during the pandemic using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests. We then assessed child feeding practices and coping strategies by HFI status using multivariable regression models.ResultsHFI increased sharply from 21% in December 2019 to 80% in August 2020, with 62% households changing the status from food secure to insecure over this period. Children in newly or consistently food-insecure households were less likely to consume a diverse diet (adjusted OR, AOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.95 and AOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.12, respectively) compared with those in food-secure households. Households with consistent food insecurity were more likely to engage in coping strategies such as reducing other essential non-food expenditures (AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.09 to 4.24), borrowing money to buy food (AOR 4.3, 95% CI 2.31 to 7.95) or selling jewellery (AOR 5.0, 95% CI 1.74 to 14.27) to obtain foods. Similar findings were observed for newly food-insecure households.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic and its lockdown measures posed a significant risk to HFI which in turn had implications for child feeding practices and coping strategies. Our findings highlight the need for further investment in targeted social protection strategies and safety nets as part of multisectoral solutions to improve HFI during and after COVID-19.

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Validity of an adapted Household Food Insecurity Access Scale in urban households in Iran

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980011001376 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 149-157 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Fatemeh Mohammadi ◽

Nasrin Omidvar ◽

Anahita Houshiar-Rad ◽

Mohammad-Reza Khoshfetrat ◽

Morteza Abdollahi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Factor Analysis ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Internal Consistency ◽

Criterion Validity ◽

Household Food Insecurity ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Urban Households ◽

Household Food ◽

Food Insecure Households ◽

Food Insecurity Access

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the validity of a locally adapted Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) in the measurement of household food insecurity (FI) in the city of Tehran.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingUrban households were selected through a systematic cluster sampling method from six different districts of Tehran. The socio-economic status of households was evaluated using a questionnaire by means of interviews. An adapted HFIAS was used to measure FI. Content validity was assessed by an expert panel, and the questionnaire was then tested among ten households for clarity. Criterion validity was assessed by comparing the measure with a number of determinants and consequences of FI. Internal consistency was evaluated by Cronbach'sαand exploratory factor analysis. For repeatability, the questionnaire was administered twice to twenty-five households at an interval of 20 d and Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated.SubjectsA total of 416 households.ResultsIn all, 11·8 %, 14·4 % and 17·5 % of the households were severely, moderately and mildly food insecure, respectively. Cronbach'sαwas 0·855. A significant correlation was observed between the two administrations of the questionnaire (r= 0·895,P< 0·001). Factor analysis of HFIAS items revealed two factors: the first five items as factor 1 (mild-to-moderate FI) and the last four as factor 2 (severe FI). Heads of food-secure households had higher education and higher job position compared with heads of food-insecure households (P< 0·001). Income and expenditure were lower in food-insecure households compared with food-secure households.ConclusionsAdapted HFIAS showed acceptable levels of internal consistency, criterion validity and reliability in assessing household FI among Tehranians.

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Household food insecurity and coping strategies among pensioners in Jimma Town, South West Ethiopia

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-018-6291-y ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Misgana Asesefa Kisi ◽

Dessalegn Tamiru ◽

Melese Sinaga Teshome ◽

Meseret Tamiru ◽

Garumma Tolu Feyissa

Keyword(s):

Food Insecurity ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Household Food Insecurity ◽

Household Food ◽

South West ◽

And Coping ◽

South West Ethiopia ◽

Jimma Town

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Predictors of household food insecurity and relationship with obesity in First Nations communities in British Columbia, Manitoba, Alberta and Ontario

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980019004889 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Ashleigh Domingo ◽

Jerry Spiegel ◽

Martin Guhn ◽

Hannah Wittman ◽

Amy Ing ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Insecurity ◽

First Nations ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Household Food Insecurity ◽

Holistic Wellness ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Household Food ◽

Central Canada ◽

Food Security And Nutrition ◽

Food Insecure Households

Abstract Objective: To further understandings of household food insecurity in First Nations communities in Canada and its relationship with obesity. Design: Analysis of a cross-sectional dataset from the First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study representative of First Nations communities south of the 60th parallel. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess associations between food insecurity and sociodemographic factors, as well as the odds of obesity among food-insecure households adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Setting: Western and Central Canada. Participants: First Nations peoples aged ≥19 years. Results: Forty-six percent of First Nations households experienced food insecurity. Food insecurity was highest for respondents who received social assistance; had ≤10 years of education; were female; had children in the household; were 19–30 years old; resided in Alberta; and had no year-round road access into the community. Rates of obesity were highest for respondents residing in marginally food-insecure households (female 56·6 %; male 54·6 %). In gender-specific analyses, the odds of obesity were highest among marginally food-insecure households in comparison with food-secure households, for both female (OR 1·57) and male (OR 1·57) respondents, adjusting for sociodemographic variables. For males only, those in severely food-insecure (compared with food-secure) households had lower odds of obesity after adjusting for confounding (OR 0·56). Conclusions: The interrelated challenges of food insecurity and obesity in First Nations communities emphasise the need for Indigenous-led, culturally appropriate and food sovereign approaches to food security and nutrition in support of holistic wellness and prevention of chronic disease.

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An adapted Household Food Insecurity Access Scale is a valid tool as a proxy measure of food access for use in urban Iran

Food Security ◽

10.1007/s12571-014-0335-7 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 275-282 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Nahid Salarkia ◽

Morteza Abdollahi ◽

Maryam Amini ◽

Tirang Reza Neyestani

Keyword(s):

Food Insecurity ◽

Food Access ◽

Household Food Insecurity ◽

Household Food ◽

Proxy Measure ◽

Food Insecurity Access

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Household food insecurity and coping strategies in Southern Ethiopia

Agriculture & Food Security ◽

10.1186/s40066-021-00296-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mesfin Melese ◽

Minyahel Tilahun ◽

Mebratu Alemu

Keyword(s):

Food Insecurity ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Water Conservation ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Food Shortage ◽

Southern Ethiopia ◽

Household Food Insecurity ◽

Household Level ◽

Household Food ◽

And Coping

Abstract Background Hunger and undernourishment are the main challenges of today’s world and 960 million people are hungry and undernourished. Food insecurity is an enduring, critical challenge in Ethiopia. Majority of the previous studies overlooked relevant determinant factors which affect the occurrence of food insecurity. This study aims to investigate household level food insecurity determinate factors and coping strategies used in the study area. Method Explanatory and descriptive research was designed to assess household food insecurity and coping strategies in Analemmo district of southern Ethiopia. A multi-stage purposive sampling technique was used for the purpose of this study. Two hundred households were selected systematically following list of food insecure households. Econometric models were employed using binary logit model. Household calorie acquisition was calculated to categorize households into food secure and food insecurely status. Results The survey result showed that 64% of the respondents were food insecure. Variables such as agro-ecology, age and education status, number of oxen, soil and water conservation, amount of credit, cultivated land size and receiving remittance were negatively but significantly (P < 0.05) affected households' food insecurity level. Female and young groups of the community were more food insecure as compared to others groups. The community was coping food shortage by relying on less preferred and less expensive food followed by participating in off-farm activities and borrowing food. Housesholds in the study area were utilizing less preferred foods to cope up food shortage and starvation. Conclusion Efforts of different developmental organizations should give due emphasis to household's wealth level, female-headed household and young and old-aged members of the community. Crop land production supported by modern agricultural technologies and information can reduce agricultural risks, and enhance productivity per unit land.

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Household Food Insecurity Is Associated with Higher BMI in a US Cohort of Infants (OR02-03-19)

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzz051.or02-03-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Sara Benjamin-Neelon ◽

Carter Allen ◽

Brian Neelon

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

World Health ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Household Food Insecurity ◽

Z Score ◽

Supplemental Nutrition ◽

Household Food ◽

The Us ◽

Food Insecure Households

Abstract Objectives Infancy represents a critical period for growth and development, and food insecurity during this time may impact later health. Few previous studies have assessed food insecurity and obesity in young children in the US, and even fewer have targeted infants. Moreover, the ability of federal food assistance programs to affect this relation remains unclear. Methods We examined 666 infants in the US-based Nurture birth cohort. We conducted home visits when infants were 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. We measured household food insecurity via maternal report using the US Household Food Security Survey Module: Six-Item Short Form. We categorized infants as living in full, marginal, low, or very low food security households. We calculated infant body mass index (BMI) z-score from measured lengths and weights using World Health Organization reference standards. We documented participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at each home visit. We used repeated-measures linear regression models with imputed data to examine covariate-adjusted associations between household food security and BMI z-score throughout infancy. Results Nearly 70% of infants were black and 49% were female. At 3 months, 32.8% of infants were from households with low or very low food security. Infant BMI increased from months 3 to 12 in all food security groups (Figure). However, after adjustment for potential confounders, low household food insecurity (0.18; 95% CI 0.05, 0.32; P = 0.01) and very low household food insecurity (0.22; 95% CI 0.05, 0.38; P = 0.01) were associated with higher infant BMI z-score throughout infancy but marginal household food security was not (0.001; 95% CI −0.13, 0.13; P = 0.99). There was no evidence of effect modification by participation in either WIC (P = 0.36) or SNAP (P = 0.67). Conclusions Infants from food insecure households had higher BMIs throughout infancy, and this association was not attenuated by WIC or SNAP participation. About one-third of infants in this cohort were living in food insecure households, which raises substantial concern from both a public health and obesity prevention perspective. Funding Sources NIDDK, National Institutes of Health. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs

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