Food Insecurity among American Indians and Alaska Natives: A National Profile using the Current Population Survey-Food Security Supplement.

Journal: Journal of hunger & environmental nutrition
Published Date: Oct 25, 2016

Abstract

Food insecurity increases the risk for obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer-conditions highly prevalent among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs). Using the Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement, we analyzed the food insecurity trends of AI/ANs compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the United States from 2000 to 2010. From 2000 to 2010, 25% of AI/ANs remained consistently food insecure and AI/ANs were twice as likely to be food insecure compared to whites. Urban AI/ANs were more likely to experience food insecurity than rural AI/ANs. Our findings highlight the need for national and tribal policies that expand food assistance programs; promote and support increased access to healthy foods and community food security, in both rural and urban areas; and reduce the burden of diet-related disparities on low-income and racial/ethnic minority populations.

Authors

  • Valarie Blue Bird Jernigan
    Center for Indigenous Health Research and Policy, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA.
  • Kimberly R Huyser
    Department of Sociology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
  • Jimmy Valdes
    Department of Sociology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
  • Vanessa Watts Simonds
    Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA.

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