Food insecurity has long been recognized as a significant contributor to health disparities in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted unprecedented policy responses from the federal government, including substantial increases in nutritional benefits aimed at expanding the social safety net. A notable focus was on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), resulting in a nearly doubled average SNAP benefit between 2019 and 2021.
However, the temporary nature of many of these increases, coupled with the discontinuation of SNAP emergency allotments in 16 states by 2022, raised questions about their lasting impact on low-income adults, particularly those with diet-sensitive chronic conditions.Â
This study aims to provide insight into the changes in food insecurity among low-income adults, comparing the periods before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a specific focus on individuals with diet-sensitive chronic conditions.Â
Utilizing data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a nationally representative survey, the study considered 2019 as a prepandemic reference and included data from the 2021 and 2022 cycles. Excluding 2020 due to challenges in survey administration, the analysis focused on adults aged 18 years or older with household incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty limit. Food insecurity within the past 30 days was measured using the U.S. Adult Food Security Survey Module.Â
Survey-weighted logistic regression models were employed to compare food insecurity among low-income adults in 2021 and 2022 with 2019, adjusting for age and sex. Interaction terms for SNAP benefits and year were included in the models. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on SNAP benefits receipt and the presence of diet-sensitive chronic conditions, including self-reported diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or a body mass index >30 kg/m2.Â
The study included 25,127 low-income U.S. adults, of whom 16,518 had diet-sensitive chronic conditions. Overall, food insecurity among low-income adults decreased from 20.6% in 2019 to 15.5% in 2021 but returned to prepandemic levels in 2022 (20.1%).
Among those receiving SNAP benefits, food insecurity decreased significantly from 34.6% in 2019 to 21.6% in 2021 and remained lower in 2022 (27.0%). In contrast, changes in food insecurity among low-income adults without SNAP benefits were more modest, decreasing from 15.4% in 2019 to 12.9% in 2021 and increasing to 16.9% in 2022.Â
Food insecurity was consistently higher among low-income adults with any diet-sensitive chronic condition. It decreased from 23.3% in 2019 to 17.1% in 2021 but returned to prepandemic levels in 2022 (21.9%). Despite this, rates remained lower for those enrolled in SNAP and those with multiple diet-sensitive chronic conditions.Â
Food insecurity demonstrated a noteworthy decrease in 2021 compared to prepandemic levels among low-income adults, despite economic challenges associated with unemployment and financial losses during the pandemic. However, a return to prepandemic levels in 2022 was observed, emphasizing the need for sustained support.Â
The study’s crucial finding highlighted the substantial improvement in food insecurity among SNAP beneficiaries, particularly in this more vulnerable group with greater prepandemic food insecurity. Unfortunately, the premature discontinuation of SNAP emergency allotments by several states may have contributed to the observed increase in food insecurity in 2022.Â
Food insecurity among low-income adults saw significant fluctuations during the COVID-19 pandemic, with notable improvements in 2021 followed by a return to prepandemic levels in 2022. The study underscores the critical role of financial relief and nutritional benefits, especially for vulnerable populations, and provides important insights for policymakers as they navigate discussions surrounding the upcoming farm bill, which will shape nutritional policy in the United States for the next five years.Â
Journal Reference Â
Alice Newman-Sanders et al, Gym lifestyle factors and male reproductive health: a study into young adult usage and perceptions, Reproductive BioMedicine Online (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103623. Â
