Food Insecurity-Related Stigma Among Adults in the United States: A Scoping Review

Abstract

ObjectiveTo characterize individual- and structural-level stigma associated with government (ie, SNAP, WIC) and emergency food program (ie, food banks, pantries, cupboards, soup kitchens) utilization in the US.Data Source5 databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, Sociological Abstracts) were searched in June 2024.Study Inclusion and Exclusion CriteriaIncluded peer-reviewed articles (January 2004 - June 2024), in the US, in English, original research or systematic reviews, and report on data closely related to general food insecurity, government and emergency food program participation, and stigma manifestations among adults.Data ExtractionData on study characteristics and stigma were extracted using a structured template.Data SynthesisDescriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used.ResultsOur search yielded 99 articles. A majority studied individual-level stigma (57.4%) and used qualitative designs (62.6%). Among the 9 identified populations, food insecure adults were the most frequently studied (25.2%). Anticipated stigma (29.8%) was the most commonly reported stigma manifestation, deterring program participation.ConclusionThis review underscores the significance of addressing food insecurity-related stigma to enhance the effectiveness of food assistance programs. Given the extensive evidence of the impact of stigma on program participation, policymakers and program administrators should design, implement and test strategies to address stigma. Future research should explore intersectional stigma, develop a food insecurity-related stigma measure, and evaluate stigma-reduction interventions longitudinally and across program settings.

Keywords: food assistance; food insecurity; health; intersectionality; stigma.