Food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic

Using surveys collected from the CHASING COVID Cohort, we examined food insecurity during the pandemic. 31% of our cohort reported some degree of food insecurity. Black and Hispanic respondents, households with children, and those with lower income and education levels had a higher odds of reporting food insecurity. People employed in construction, leisure/hospitality and trade/transportation industries had the highest burden of both food insecurity and income loss. In addition to addressing persistent sociodemographic disparities, future pandemic-response policies should focus on the needs of those working in vulnerable industries and ensure those experiencing food insecurity can easily participate in food benefit programs for which they are eligible. For more information, click here.