scholarly journals Food insecurity during COVID-19 pandemic: A genuine concern for people from disadvantaged community and low-income families in Province 2 of Nepal

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0254954
Author(s):  
Devendra Raj Singh ◽  
Dev Ram Sunuwar ◽  
Sunil Kumar Shah ◽  
Lalita Kumari Sah ◽  
Kshitij Karki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Disadvantaged Community ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
Disadvantaged Families

Background Food insecurity is a serious social and public health problem which is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic especially in resource-poor countries such as Nepal. However, there is a paucity of evidence at local levels. This study aims to explore food insecurity among people from the disadvantaged community and low-income families during the COVID-19 pandemic in Province-2 of Nepal. Methods The semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted virtually among purposively selected participants (n = 41) from both urban and rural areas in eight districts of Province 2 in Nepal. All the interviews were conducted in the local language between July and August 2020. The data analysis was performed using thematic network analysis in Nvivo 12 Pro software. Results The results of this study are grouped into four global themes: i) Impact of COVID-19 on food security; ii) Food insecurity and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, iii) Food relief and emergency support during the COVID-19 pandemic, and iv) Impact of COVID-19 and food insecurity on health and wellbeing. Most participants in the study expressed that families from low socioeconomic backgrounds and disadvantaged communities such as those working on daily wages and who rely on remittance had experienced increased food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants used different forms of coping strategies to meet their food requirements during the pandemic. Community members experienced favouritism, nepotism, and partiality from local politicians and authorities during the distribution of food relief. The food insecurity among low-income and disadvantaged families has affected their health and wellbeing making them increasingly vulnerable to the COVID-19 infection. Conclusion Food insecurity among low-income and disadvantaged families was found to be a serious problem during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that the relief support plan and policies should be focused on the implementation of immediate sustainable food security strategies to prevent hunger, malnutrition, and mental health problems among the most vulnerable groups in the community.

Food Insecurity, Carotenoid Values and Coping Strategies of Students on a Mid-Sized College Campus

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Smith ◽  
Chandra R. Story ◽  
Korissa C. Hobbs ◽  
Tyler Bos ◽  
Garvita Thareja
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
And Coping

Food insecurity is a serious public health problem among college students, negatively affecting academic performance and health outcomes. The primary objective of the study involved the exploration of the potential association between food insecurity and carotenoid scan levels. Additionally, the association between food insecurity and coping strategies utilized was investigated. A Qualtrics survey and BioPhotonic Scanner™ were utilized to conduct an exploratory cross-sectional study with students from a mid-size four-year university (n=410). The USDA food security definitions and assessment tools were used for categorization. More than 31% percent of participants were classified as food insecure, with 5.1% considered very low and 26.6% low food security. A statistically significant factor associated with food insecurity was ethnicity (OR= .19). Other factors included: skipped buying textbooks to buy food (OR=.09), avoided buying expensive foods like fruits and vegetables (OR=.24), stretched food by limiting (OR= .09), removed spoiled parts from fruits and vegetables (OR= .73). Carotenoid scan scores were not associated with food insecurity. Coping strategies are often used by food insecure students and should be further examined to pinpoint promising strategies.

Food Security Status and Hair Cortisol among Low-income Mother-Child Dyads

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (12) ◽  
pp. 1813-1828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiying Ling ◽  
Lorraine B. Robbins ◽  
Dongjuan Xu
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hair Cortisol ◽  
Significant Interaction Effect ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Mother And Child ◽  
Low Income Families

This cross-sectional study among low-income mother-child dyads examined the relationship between food security status and hair cortisol concentration (HCC), and how mother and child food security status was interactively related to mothers’ perceived distress and coping. Data from 32 dyads were analyzed. Approximately 46.9% had household food insecurity, 37.5% children had food insecurity, and 34.4% mothers had food insecurity. Children with food insecurity had significantly higher HCC than those with food security. A significant interaction effect occurred between child food security status and race on children’s HCC, with White children’s HCC being more likely to be influenced by food security status. Mother food security and child food security status together explained about 6% of the variance in mothers’ HCC, 27% in perceived distress, and 18% in perceived coping. These findings indicate that assisting low-income families with food insecurity to get enough food can benefit both children’s and mothers’ mental health.

scholarly journals Development of Masterplan and Initial Program for Food Security in Papua Region, Indonesia

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 88
Author(s):  
Ambar Pertiwiningrum ◽  
Cahyono Agus ◽  
Supriadi Supriadi ◽  
Supriyanta Supriyanta ◽  
Ali Agus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Food Utilization ◽  
Clean Water ◽  
Land Resources ◽  
Macro Scale ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
Low Income Families

Food Security and Vulnerability Atlas (FSVA) of Indonesia 2015 categorized the vulnerability to food and nutrition insecurity based on nine indicators covering food availability, food access and food utilization. According to the assessment, 14 districts in priority 1 (severely vulnerable to food insecurity) were all in Papua. Responding to the problems of food insecurity, a multi-year program focusing on two regencies, i.e., Manokwari and Merauke, was conducted from August 2015. The program was developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Villages, Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration (Kemendes PDTT), Gadjah Mada University Yogyakarta and district governments. This research aimed to examine the problems causing food insecurity and to develop integrative and collaborative macro-scale policy recommendations. The study used a qualitative descriptive method and a pilot project approach to address food insecurity problems in both regencies. It found five main issues related to food insecurity in Papua: the prevalence of stunting among children under five, the ratio of per capita normative consumption towards net cereal production, the population living below poverty line, households without access to clean water, and low-income families. The problems could be overcome by concerning the ratio of normative consumption per capita and the preservation of local food, and local crops should be grown especially tubers. Regarding the problems associated with low-income families, a program that should be implemented is the welfare improvement of the rural low-income families through the optimization of land resources in the integrated and intensive ways in response to many land resources still underutilized. Moreover, water treatment should be encouraged further to tackle clean water issues.

Food Purchasing and Food Insecurity: Among Low-income Families in Toronto

2010 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. e50-e56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi Dachner ◽  
Laurie Ricciuto ◽  
Sharon I. Kirkpatrick ◽  
Valerie Tarasuk
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Food Selection ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Purchasing Decisions ◽  
Food Purchasing ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Low Income Families

Purpose: Factors underlying food-purchasing decisions were examined among a sample of low-income Toronto families. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was completed among 485 families residing in high-poverty Toronto neighbourhoods. Food-security status was assessed using the Household Food Security Survey Module. Open-ended questions were included to examine respondents’ food selection and management practices and their purchasing decisions for six indicator foods. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between factors influencing food-purchasing decisions, perceived food adequacy, and severity of food insecurity. Results: Twenty-two percent of families had been severely food insecure in the past 30 days. Respondents engaged in thrifty food shopping practices, such as frequenting discount supermarkets and budgeting carefully. Price was the most salient factor influencing food-purchasing decisions; the likelihood that families would report this factor increased with deteriorating food security. Preference, quality, and health considerations also guided food-purchasing decisions, but generally to a lesser extent as food insecurity increased. Household food supplies reflected constraints on food purchasing, and they diminished with increasing food insecurity. Conclusions: Despite their resourcefulness, low-income families struggle to feed their families. Dietitians have an important role to play as advocates for adequate income supports to promote food security and nutritional health.

scholarly journals Hunger in Higher Education: Experiences and Correlates of Food Insecurity among Wisconsin Undergraduates from Low-Income Families

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharine Broton ◽  
Kari Weaver ◽  
Minhtuyen Mai
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Background Characteristics ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
Public Colleges And Universities ◽  
Higher Education Experiences

There is growing awareness that a substantial share of undergraduates are food insecure, potentially undermining investments in higher education and hindering upward social mobility. This mixed-methods paper uses survey and interview data from low-income students at 42 public colleges and universities in Wisconsin to illuminate the day-to-day experiences of food insecurity and examine how food security status varies across background characteristics. Results indicate that students who grew up in food insecure homes, self-identify as a racial/ethnic minority, live off-campus, and attend college in an urban area are significantly more likely to report the lowest level of food security, often associated with hunger. Students explain that challenges stemming from the interrelationship of lack of time and inadequate money are their biggest barriers to food security. Most rely on friends or family for support, but few students draw on the social safety net, in part due to eligibility restrictions. In recognition of the diversity of students’ experiences, we discuss the need for a multi-faceted response to promote food security and student success.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic, Determinants of Food Insecurity, and Household Mitigation Measures: A Case Study of Punjab, Pakistan

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 621
Author(s):  
Muhammad Aamir Shahzad ◽  
Ping Qing ◽  
Muhammad Rizwan ◽  
Amar Razzaq ◽  
Muhammad Faisal
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Large Family ◽  
Financial Assistance ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Income Shocks ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
Aid Programs ◽  
The Impact

Policies centered to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic have created recessionary economic impacts. Adverse income shocks have caused malnutrition and food insecurity and have increased the need for food assistance. The present study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food insecurity and investigates the determinants of food security and coping strategies in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Data were collected through the internet and received responses from 370 respondents. The household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS) model was applied to examine food insecurity, and a logit regression model was used to analyze its determining factors. The results illustrate that food insecurity substantially increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Households’ demographics and socioeconomic factors have influence on food insecurity. Households with a large family size and people in quarantine found more food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, while financial assistance played a role in a decline in food insecurity. Households handle the negative income shocks by eating less preferred food and getting support from government and charity organizations. It is suggested that stakeholders and responsible institutes provide financial assistance to support low-income families in order to enhance food security. Furthermore, policymakers should strengthen social safety nets and aid programs such as the Ehsas income program in the province of the country.

Family Chaos and Household Routines are Associated With Food Insecurity in Low-Income Families

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda Koester ◽  
Barbara H. Fiese ◽  
Craig Gundersen ◽  
Meghan Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Family Chaos ◽  
Low Income Families

scholarly journals Trajectory of Food Insecurity and Its Association with Longitudinal Mental Health and Sleep Outcomes in Adolescents from Economically Disadvantaged Families

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1696
Author(s):  
Ting-Hsuan Lee ◽  
Jen-Hao Kuo ◽  
Chia-Yi Liu ◽  
Yi-Fang Yu ◽  
Carol Strong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Economically Disadvantaged ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Estimating Equation ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Disadvantaged Families

Background: Adolescence is a critical transition period in the course of human development. Although food insecurity (FI) has been shown to be associated with adverse mental health and sleep outcomes in US adolescents, there is a paucity of research examining the relationships between FI, mental health, and sleep outcomes in Taiwanese adolescents. Furthermore, it is unknown how the change of FI over time (i.e., the trajectory of FI) is related to health outcomes. Methods: The data come from the Taiwan Database of Children and Youth in Poverty, which is a national longitudinal project measuring FI in five survey waves (2009–2017). We employed group-based trajectory modeling to classify various FI trends over the five waves using STATA. Furthermore, a generalized estimating equation analysis was conducted with FI trajectories as the independent variable to see how FI trajectory is related to mental health and sleep outcomes. Results: In total, 1921 participants aged 12–18 years in the first wave were deemed valid for the analysis. We classified the participants into four FI trajectory groups: persistently low FI (24.8%), persistently moderate FI (64.7%), declining from high to low FI (4.1%), and food-secure groups (6.4%). As compared to food-secure adolescents, the persistently moderate FI group was more likely to have mental problems (β = 0.30, [95% confidence interval 0.21–0.38]), while the other FI groups were only marginally associated with mental health problems. Moreover, adolescents in the persistently low FI group (β = 0.13, [0.02–0.23]) and persistently moderate FI group (β = 0.39, [0.29–0.48]) were found to have more sleep problems than those in the food-secure group. Conclusions: Our study describes the FI profile of adolescents from economically disadvantaged families and the difficulties they might encounter. With this information, healthcare providers can aid adolescents in the early stages of mental health problems and provide guidance when appropriate.

scholarly journals “You run out of hope:” An Exploration of Low-Income Parents’ Experiences with Food Insecurity using Photovoice

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Payge Lindow ◽  
Irene H. Yen ◽  
Mingyu Xiao ◽  
Cindy W. Leung
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Unhealthy Eating ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Objective: Using an adaption of the Photovoice method, this study explored how food insecurity affected parents’ ability to provide food for their family, their strategies for managing household food insecurity, and the impact of food insecurity on their well-being. Design: Parents submitted photos around their families’ experiences with food insecurity. Afterwards, they completed in-depth, semi-structured interviews about their photos. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed for thematic content using the constant comparative method. Setting: San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA. Subjects: 17 parents (14 mothers and 3 fathers) were recruited from a broader qualitative study on understanding the experiences of food insecurity in low-income families. Results: Four themes were identified from the parents’ photos and interviews. First, parents described multiple aspects of their food environment that promoted unhealthy eating behaviors. Second, parents shared strategies they employed to acquire food with limited resources. Third, parents expressed feelings of shame, guilt, and distress resulting from their experience of food insecurity. And finally, parents described treating their children to special foods to cultivate a sense of normalcy. Conclusions: Parents highlighted the external contributors and internal struggles of their experiences of food insecurity. Additional research to understand the experiences of the food-insecure families may help to improve nutrition interventions targeting this structurally vulnerable population.

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