An Exploration of the Influences Contributing to Food Insecurity in Chester County, Pennsylvania

Food security refers to the ideal state or condition of households that have access at all times to enough food for their members to live an active, healthy life. To better understand local food insecurity, a needs assessment was implemented to explore contributing factors and discuss solutions. A qualitative study including nine focus groups with low-income adults who receive food assistance (N = 82) and four focus groups with emergency food providers (N = 21) was conducted. Focus group data were analyzed using phenomenological methods. Five themes emerged from the residents: (1) food accessibility both contributes to and reduces food insecurity; (2) residents understand the need for and practice the act of preserving foods; (3) food shopping behaviors were similar for the residents and stores were well received; (4) benefits and barriers with food insecurity are similar; and (5) variety and quality of food and food safety of emergency foods are concerns. The food provider focus groups indicated that they recognized similar problems faced by the residents, and they stressed the need for education. Food insecure individuals should continue in the conversations around solutions, and a comprehensive look at food insecurity through local food and health care systems might determine additional needs.