An Investigation of the Food Insecurity Status and Health Disparities of Houston Food Distribution Organization Clientele

Food insecurity is a social determinant of health disparities with an increasing number of food insecure individuals at risk for chronic illnesses like diabetes or cardiovascular disease. The COVID-19 pandemic and its negative effects on employment and food availability have had a startling effect on food insecure individuals; those same individuals who suffer from a pre-existing health condition are also at an increased risk of severe illness or death. This research project investigates the perspectives of food insecure clientele regarding the operational efficiency of Houston food distribution organizations and how well they meet their clienteles’ health and food needs. In Summer 2021, at least 50 telephone interviews will be conducted with food insecure clientele covering a range of 18 questions about themselves and their household’s demographics, eating habits, and their general health. The results will be tabulated based on the respondents’ answers to the interview questions in correlation to any chronic illnesses they possess. Some categories considered in the tabulation include food distribution satisfaction, clienteles’ perception of their own health, and clienteles’ priorities when making food choices. The goal of the study is to comprehend the relationship between health and food insecure clients and whether food distribution organizations are addressing food insecurity in conjunction with clienteles’ associated health disparities. The project could be used for developing a model for food distribution organizations to work more closely with entities such as Harris Health to recognize and address the health needs of food insecure clientele.Honors CollegePolitical Science, Department o