Socio-political indicators of food insecurity: a study of 24 US states

Authors

• Rishika Chakraborty, Center for Health Policy and Media Engagement, School of Nursing, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
• Katelyn F. Romm, TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
• Cassidy R. LoParco, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
• Y Tony Yang, Center for Health Policy and Media Engagement, School of Nursing, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
• Carla Berg, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

3-26-2026

Journal

Public health nutrition

DOI

10.1017/S1368980026102353

Keywords

food insecurity; inequity; state-level policy; substance use; systems perspective

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Food insecurity (FI) prevalence has increased globally, including the United States (US), and disproportionately affects certain subgroups (e.g. women). Both food-related and non-food-related sociopolitical indicators may impact FI rates; however, these associations are underexplored. This study assessed select state-level sociopolitical indicators among states with higher and lower FI rates compared to the national average. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: US. PARTICIPANTS: We identified 25 states representing lower (n=18) and higher (n=7) FI prevalence compared to the 2021-2023 US average (12.2%) and used national data sources to characterize 16 sociopolitical indicators (selected via prior review) across 3 categories: 1) proximal to FI (related to food access/income/resources), 2) inequality (contributing to disparities), and 3) tobacco/alcohol/cannabis regulation (may exacerbate/perpetuate financial constraints). We described each indicator and explored their associations (using t-tests or Fisher's tests) with state FI status (high vs. low). RESULTS: For proximal indicators, low-FI (vs. high-FI) states had greater food environment scores, nutrition assistance program participation, minimum wage, and insured individuals. For inequality indicators, low-FI (vs. high-FI) states had narrower gender wage-gaps, greater racial equity, and more protective policies for sexual/gender minority populations and abortion rights. For substance-related indicators, low-FI (vs. high-FI) states had higher cigarette taxes and more likely had comprehensive smoke-free laws, legalized nonmedical cannabis, and provisions for expunging/pardoning prior cannabis-related convictions. CONCLUSION: Low-FI states had more sociopolitical indicators aimed at improving food access, financial resources, equality, and substance use-related regulations. Findings highlight the importance of adopting a holistic, sustainable, multilevel approach to effectively address the broader determinants of FI.

APA Citation

Chakraborty, Rishika; Romm, Katelyn F.; LoParco, Cassidy R.; Yang, Y Tony; and Berg, Carla, "Socio-political indicators of food insecurity: a study of 24 US states" (2026). GW Authored Works. Paper 8825.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/8825

Department

Prevention and Community Health