Local Characteristics Are Linked to Food Insecurity Among Households With Elementary School Children

This study assessed the relationship between community characteristics and household food security status among elementary school children in Wisconsin. Data were from a self-administered survey of parents of elementary school children during 2003–2005 and were linked by ZIP code to data on community characteristics. The sample included 8396 households. Food security was measured with the standard 6-item Food Security Scale. A logistic regression model was estimated to measure the relationship between contextual characteristics and household food security status while also controlling for household characteristics. Higher local housing costs, lack of access to public and private transportation, very low proximity to supermarkets and grocery stores, and living in a more urban area all significantly increased the risk of household food insecurity.