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Updated: May 10, 2025

Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework
Published on: July 24, 2016
Food Security Dimensions in US Disaster Plans: A Comparative Analysis of States and Territories
Maria M Muñoz1, Danielle J Gartner1, Saria Hassan2
1Department of Social and Behavioral Population Sciences, Tulane University Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Objective:
Disaster response plans play a major role in mitigating the impact of climate-related disasters on community food access. This study examined existing disaster response plans in 5 US locations that experienced the costliest hurricanes since 2017 (states: Florida, Texas, Louisiana; territories: Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands) to assess how existing disaster response plans and response efforts address food-related issues across 4 key domains: availability, accessibility, agency, and acceptability.
Methods:
A content analysis of disaster response plans was conducted. Disaster response plans were complemented by a review of gray literature and media sources examining the post-hurricane aftermaths. Disaster plans were coded using a deductive analysis approach guided by the Disaster Food Security Framework.
Results:
The analysis revealed significant disparities in planning and resources between territories and states. Findings highlight political and structural drivers of disparities in food access, particularly in US territories. State-mandated procedures resulted in a consistent level of effectiveness in their food distribution strategies.
Conclusions:
These disparities underscore the need for targeted policy reforms and enhanced federal support to ensure equitable food security during disasters.
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