Causal factors of military and Veteran family food insecurity

Introduction: In 2021, researchers initiated a study to investigate the causal factors of food insecurity for military and Veteran families through a regional exploration of this issue. Given the unpredictability of military life, researchers consider this population as marginalized and at risk due to uncontrollable circumstances such as financial, geographic, employment, and support limitations that impact family well-being. Methods: Utilizing novel methods to understand this population, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM) six-item short form, and qualitative methodology, researchers conducted 312 semi-structured phone interviews between April 2021 and March 2022. All participants were military or Veteran family members over the age of 18 years from the state of Texas or the Tidewater Region, Virginia, who had experienced food insecurity as demonstrated by the HFSSM within the previous 12 months. Results: Most respondents identified as female, Caucasian, and between the ages of 25 and 40 years. Over half identified as the spouse of an active duty service member from junior/mid-level enlisted ranks. Most participants were married (90%) and had children under the age of 18 years in their household (85%). Researchers identified six personas for military families experiencing food insecurities, each shaped by a primary causal factor: (1) spousal unemployment, (2) growing families, (3) recent permanent change of station (PCS), (4) unexpected expenses, (5) external systems shock (Texas), and (6) the rising cost of living (Tidewater Region, Virginia). Participants in all six personas described significant emotional stress, stigma, and barriers to accessing food assistance, including a lack of awareness and bureaucratic hurdles. Discussion: These findings highlight the multi-faceted and region-specific nature of food insecurity among military families, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. To address these issues, researchers recommend expanding access to food assistance programs, improving outreach and education about available resources, and reducing systemic barriers to support. Targeted interventions during PCS transitions and for spousal employment could mitigate key risk factors and improve military family well-being.