The intersection of food insecure populations in the Midwest U.S. and rates of chronic health conditions

Abstract

Background: Food insecurity is the state of having insufficient access to adequate food in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle due to limited economic resources. This study expands upon the annual survey conducted by the USDA ERS, while providing evidence that additional factors, notably, medical or health-related issues play vital roles in the relationship between households and food security. Methods: The data for this study were generated by surveying Midwestern residents. The sample of respondents was targeted to be representative of the Midwest in terms of sex, age, and income and was completed by 1265 respondents. The survey included the CPS Food Security Supplement to assess the food security of respondents. All respondents were asked the 10 household focused food security questions and respondents who indicated having children were asked the additional 8 child focused questions. Additionally, respondents were asked demographic, food security, and health status questions. Results: Of the sample, 25% were considered food insecure. Being male, middle aged, having children, having household diabetes, having a household eating disorder, and having household depression/anxiety are significant determinants of decreased food security. Conclusions: Establishing clear relationships between health and food can help to inform legislation. This analysis suggests the inclusion of chronic illness and health information to improve metrics and inform food security legislation.