Changes in Food Insecurity Among U.S. Adults with Low Income During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors examine prevalence trends in food insecurity by racial and ethnic groups and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) use before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study analyzed National Health Interview Survey data before (January 2019 to March 2020) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020 to December 2022). Participants were noninstitutionalized U.S. adults (18 years) with low income (<200% federal poverty level). Statistical analysis was performed from Sept. 25, 2023, to Feb. 27, 2024.

Food insecurity was measured using the 10-item U.S. Department of Agriculture Adult Food Security Survey module, categorizing participants as food secure (high or marginal food security) or insecure (low or very low food security). Authors examined changes in food insecurity prevalence over time by race and ethnicity (Asian, Black, Hispanic, and white) and by race and ethnicity and SNAP use (yes or no) including a 3-way interaction term (time × race and ethnicity × SNAP).

Findings: Among 30,396 adults with low income, approximately one-half were female during the pre–COVID-19 time period; 57.4% during the COVID-19 time period). Food insecurity prevalence decreased from 20.9% before the COVID-19 pandemic to 18.8% during the pandemic. SNAP use prevalence increased overall (from 31.5% to 36.0%) and for each racial and ethnic group.

There were no significant differences in food insecurity changes over time by racial and ethnic group. Among SNAP participants, food insecurity decreased for Asian, Hispanic, and white adults but did not change for Black adults; among non-SNAP participants, food insecurity did not change for Black, Hispanic, and white adults but increased for Asian adults.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity decreased among SNAP participants in most racial and ethnic groups but did not decrease among non-SNAP participants in any group. These results suggest that during the pandemic, increased SNAP benefit amounts were associated with ameliorating food insecurity for many U.S. adults who were able to access SNAP but did not reduce racial and ethnic disparities in food insecurity.

This study cites an article that uses CHIS data.