Reconsidering Household Food Insecurity: Assessing the Impact of Neighborhood and Household Characteristics

Motivated by substantial public health implications of food insecurity, this study systematically reexamined its determinants beyond household disadvantages. Utilizing data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and American Community Survey, hierarchical linear modeling was employed. The findings underscored notable between-neighborhood variations in food insecurity after adjusting for household-specific characteristics, revealing residing in high-poverty or nonmetropolitan areas heightened the risk. Demographic disparities were evident, with black and Hispanic households experiencing elevated food insecurity, despite neighborhood racial composition. Additional household factors exacerbating food insecurity included financial constraints, limited education, vehicle inaccessibility, and single-living arrangements. These findings inform interventions in similar contexts.