COVID-19-related Hate Incidents and Food Insecurity among Asian Americans

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified anti-Asian discrimination and hate incidents, which may exacerbate both psychological distress and material hardship. This study examined the association between pandemic-related hate incidents and food insecurity among Asian Americans and explored whether these relationships differed across subethnic groups.

Data were drawn from the 2021-2022 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). The dependent variable was food insecurity. The independent variable was hate incidents due to COVID-19. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between hate incidents and food insecurity. Interaction terms were further included to test whether the association between hate incidents and food insecurity varied across subethnic groups.

Among 1,453 Asian American adults, 26.0% experienced food insecurity. Individuals who experienced hate incidents related to COVID-19 had more than three times higher odds of food insecurity compared to those who did not (AOR = 3.13, p = 0.001). Middle-aged and older adults (ages 35-84) and males were also more likely to experience food insecurity, whereas those reporting good or very good health had lower odds. The association between hate incidents and food insecurity differed across subethnic groups, with significant interactions for South Asian (β = 5.75, p < 0.001) and multiracial Asian adults (β = 2.95, p = 0.006).

Hate incidents related to COVID-19 were associated with higher odds of food insecurity among Asian American adults, particularly South Asian and multiracial Asian groups. These findings illustrate how racialized violence and economic hardship intersect, underscoring the need for culturally responsive interventions addressing both discrimination and food insecurity across Asian American subgroups.