Food Access Worries, Food Assistance Use, Purchasing Behavior, and Food Insecurity Among New Yorkers During COVID-19

Abstract

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) disrupted health, economy, and food systems across the United States. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between food access worries, food assistance use, and purchasing behaviors and food insecurity during COVID-19 among residents of New York State. New Yorkers were recruited to complete a web-based survey through Qualtrics. The survey took place in the summer and fall of 2020 and asked respondents about food access worries, food assistance use, food insecurity, and food purchasing behaviors. Chi-square analysis examined the relationships between food concerns, food assistance use, purchasing behaviors, and demographic characteristics by reported food insecurity, and significant results were analyzed in a series of logistic regression models. Results showed that higher food worries, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) use, reported food assistance and delivery as food sources, and self-reported Hispanic ethnicity were associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing food insecurity. Future research is needed to assess the ongoing impacts of the pandemic on food access and food insecurity, particularly among underserved groups. Measures that provide additional money for food and improved food access can alleviate barriers to accessing enough healthy food at this time.

Keywords: COVID-19; food access; food assistance; food purchase behavior; food security.