Statewide Prevalences of Concern about Enough Food, 1996–1999

Abstract

Objective. Food insecurity is defined as not having access at all times to enough food for an active and healthy life-style. A Healthy People 2010 objective is to increase food security and reduce the risk of hunger for all households. The objective of this study was to characterize the prevalence of concern about enough food and its association with other sociodemographic and health characteristics at the state level. Methods. Adult respondents participating in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey provided information on concern about enough food from nine states from 1996 through 1999. Results. Overall, the prevalence of concern about enough food ranged from 3.1% to 11.8% for individual states. Across states, low household income was the strongest predictor of concern about enough food. The odds of being concerned about enough food were generally higher among respondents who were female, younger, and without health care coverage. The odds were generally lower among those reporting excellent or very good general health and among non-Hispanic whites. Conclusion. Food security scales could be used at the state level to track progress for the Healthy People 2010 objective of reducing food insecurity and hunger across American households.