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. 2023 Dec;10(6):2685-2703.
doi: 10.1007/s40615-022-01447-8. Epub 2022 Nov 15.

Sick, Hungry, and Vulnerable: Federal Stimulus and Food Security on Marginalized Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Molly Jacobs  1 , Timothy R McDade  2 , Mateo Villamizar Chaparro  2 , Michelle Corea  3
Affiliations

Sick, Hungry, and Vulnerable: Federal Stimulus and Food Security on Marginalized Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Molly Jacobs et al. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 2023 Dec.

Abstract

In addition to the threat of serious illness, COVID-19 and subsequent restrictions had devastating economic consequences for many US citizens. This study examines the evolution of food security over the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic testing whether the initial economic stimulus payment improved the nutritional well-being of vulnerable populations. We use data from phase 1 of the Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey among a nationally representative sample of adults and the 2017-2018 Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement. Using an ordered logistic regression, we assess differences in the incidence and severity of food security across demographic, income, geographic, and employment status cohorts and assess the effects of the first economic stimulus payment. Our results show that marginalized groups faced greater food insecurity and had food-related outcomes worsen over time. Blacks, Hispanics, and individuals living in rural areas became less food secure as the pandemic progressed. However, receipt of a stimulus payment appears to have improved conditions. Rising food prices and persistent high unemployment have the potential to exacerbate food insecurity among marginalized and at-risk groups.

Keywords: Black; COVID-19; Food security; Inequality; Racial differences; Rural; Stimulus.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Standardized variable differences
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Proportion of each subgroup reporting high food security and very low food security
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Weeks 1–12 food security in rural and non-rural areas
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Fig. 4
Weeks 1–6 food security in rural and non-rural areas
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Weeks 7–12 food security with the stimulus
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