Food Insecurity

Definition

According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), food insecurity is limited or uncertain access to nutritionally adequate food that prevents individuals from leading healthy lives. Food insecurity can be temporary or long-term, and can be influenced by income, employment, and disability. Limited access to supermarkets, supercenters, grocery stores, or other sources of healthy and affordable food makes it more difficult for people to follow a healthy diet.

Context/Impact on Health

Access to healthy food sources is imperative to good health. Food insecurity can increase individuals’ risk for poor nutrition and chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Food-insecure adults and children also have higher rates of mental health issues. Food-insecure children are also at higher risk for physical, developmental, and cognitive impairments compared to their peers.

Data Collection Methodology

The USDA Food Access Research Atlas characterizes census tracks as having low access to healthy food by determining if a significant number (at least 500) and/or share (at least 33%) of people living in a urban census tract reside more than a half-mile or in a rural census tract, more than 10 miles, away from a supermarket, supercenter, or large grocery store in urban areas,. It is estimated that 18.8 million people in the US reside in a census tract with more than 33% of the population beyond a half-mile (urban tract) or 10-mile (rural tract) distance from a supermarket.

Related Health Outcomes & Exposures

Greenness, Obesity, Diabetes