COVID-19 and food insecurity in a vulnerable rural state

Don E Willis; Christopher R Long; Brett Rowland; Caitlin Tidwell; Jennifer A Andersen; Pearl A McElfish

doi:10.1016/j.dialog.2022.100013

COVID-19 and food insecurity in a vulnerable rural state

Dialogues Health. 2022 Dec:1:100013. doi: 10.1016/j.dialog.2022.100013. Epub 2022 May 13.

Authors

Don E Willis¹, Christopher R Long¹, Brett Rowland², Caitlin Tidwell², Jennifer A Andersen¹, Pearl A McElfish¹

Affiliations

¹ University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, College of Medicine, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72703, USA.
² University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Office of Community Health and Research, 1125 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72703, USA.

Abstract

Objective: This study explored variations in food insecurity across sociodemographic groups and changes specific to the COVID-19 pandemic, including income loss, stimulus check receipt, and changes in household size.

Design: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using a 2-item food insecurity screener. COVID-19 related factors and sociodemographic data were collected.

Setting: Data were collected in Arkansas, United States, during July and August 2020.

Participants: A sample of 1205 adults was recruited using ARresearch, a volunteer research registry. Participants were over the age of 18 and living, working, or receiving health care in Arkansas.

Results: The prevalence of food insecurity was 24.9% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Food insecurity was elevated even after the majority of respondents received a stimulus check. Chi-square and t-tests revealed that food insecurity was more prevalent among those who are younger, Black, Hispanic/Latinx, lower-income, less educated, and living in households with children. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that odds of food insecurity were greater for individuals who reported income loss due to the pandemic (OR = 3.29; p < .001), Black respondents (OR = 2.06, p = .014), Hispanic respondents (OR = 3.34, p = .001), those earning less than $25,000 annually (OR = 4.92; p < .001) or between $25,000 to $49,999 (OR = 2.04; p = .023), respondents with a high school degree or less (OR = 4.21; p < .001) or some college (OR = 2.55; p < .001), and those living in households with children (OR = 1.62; p = .021). Odds of food insecurity were lower for those who had received a stimulus check (OR = 0.60; p = .026).

Conclusion: Food insecurity prevalence was high in Arkansas in July and August 2020. The risk of food insecurity was uneven across sociodemographic groups. Several factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic were indicators for increased risk of food insecurity. Interventions to address food insecurity that recognize social factors unique to the pandemic are needed to reduce levels of food insecurity.

Keywords: COVID-19; Food insecurity; Housing; Income; Pandemic; Public health nutrition.