Perceived barriers in accessing adequate nutrition among food insecure households within a food desert

Abstract

The United States Department of Agriculture identifies low-income neighborhoods with low access to a grocery store as food deserts. The purpose of this study is to determine the barriers households face in accessing adequate nutrition. Questionnaires assessing food security and perceived barriers to accessing adequate nutrition were sent out to 2068 households located within a food desert in La Crosse, WI. Data was analyzed using SAS statistical procedures to determine correlations between demographics and behaviors of the food insecure and predictors of food insecurity. Food insecurity existed in 14.6% of households. Significant correlations to being food insecure included type of health insurance, renting or owning a home, identifying the cost of healthy foods as a significant barrier, having difficulty getting to a store, not having enough money, and smoking. The greatest predictor of food insecurity was if a person reported not having enough money as a significant barrier, followed by owning or renting a home, and smoking status. Establishing exact correlations between the determined predictors and food insecurity requires further research. An individual-based intervention utilizing methods such as motivational interviewing may provide the most cost-effective approach in improving behavioral factors.