Assessing the effect of adverse economic events on severity of hunger among food pantry clients

Abstract

This study assessed relationship between adverse economic events (AEE) and hunger level (i.e., little to no, moderate, severe). A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to August 2018 in 10 food pantries with 616 food pantry users. Hunger level was assessed by the Household Hunger Scale. AEE were evaluated over the past 3 months. Participants (60.55%) experienced unexpected or increased medical expenses (17.69%), job loss (13.64%), pay reduction (11.85%), and death of a family member (9.09%). Pay reduction (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.12, 3.14) and increased debt (OR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.92, 3.84) were associated with moderate hunger; death of a family member (OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.21, 4.90), pay reduction (OR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.24, 7.04), and increased debt (OR = 3.46, 95% CI: 1.98, 6.04) were associated with severe hunger. Awareness of AEE can inform public health programs and policies for people in need of additional resources, which is essential in times of increased economic instability.

Keywords: adverse economic events; economic instability; food insecurity; food pantry; hunger.