Identifying the Risk Factors for Food Insecurity in the United States

Food insecurity is widespread in America and has both humanitarian and economic consequences. The purpose of this study is to identify the risk factors associated with food insecurity so that state officials can tailor assistance programs to benefit those most in need. A logistic regression model is employed using data from the 2016 Food Security Supplement to the Current Population Survey. The results provide evidence that food insecurity is negatively associated with income, education, home ownership, and age; it is positively associated with unemployment, disability, and a state’s tax burden. Other influences include ethnicity, citizenship status, and participation in nutrition assistance programs