The Impacts of Programs and Policies to Address Food Insecurity: An Analysis of Change in Income
Eva Nelson1, Jacqueline Milton Hicks2, Lok Hang Kristina Keung2
1Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Ave. 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
Nutrients
|January 11, 2025
Summary
Reduced household income significantly increases the risk of food insecurity. Government benefits helped stabilize food security during COVID-19, but benefit removal may lead to future increases in hunger.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Economics
Background:
- Food insecurity is a significant public health issue in the United States.
- Government policies and community programs can mitigate food insecurity.
- Certain populations, including single-parent and low-income households, are at higher risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between changes in household income and food insecurity over time.
- To analyze the impact of government funding on food insecurity.
- To identify at-risk populations for food insecurity.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey of food pantry clients in Eastern Massachusetts (2018-2019).
- Matched baseline and 3-month follow-up surveys (n=308).
- Multinomial logistic mixed-effects models to analyze hunger and income changes.
Main Results:
- Decreased household income was associated with a 2.16 times higher odds of increased household hunger.
- This association remained significant after adjusting for covariates.
- The study highlights a direct link between income reduction and heightened food insecurity.
Conclusions:
- Government benefits implemented during early COVID-19 stabilized food security despite income reductions.
- The removal of these benefits starting in 2022 may lead to a delayed rise in food insecurity.
- Continued support is crucial during income instability to prevent increased hunger.
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