Food Insecurity, Challenges, and Strategies among New Mexicans Experiencing Job Disruptions during COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic affected health, the economy, and the food system across the United States (U.S.). This cross-sectional study examined the impacts of household income and job loss on food insecurity and food-related challenges among a sample of New Mexico residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study was conducted by fielding an online survey from May through June 2020. Study participants were recruited via convenience sampling to complete a survey that included questions assessing job and/or household income loss, food insecurity, food-related challenges and worries, and strategies for acquiring food during COVID-19. The analysis included a series of multivariable logistic regressions that estimated the impact of household income and job loss on food insecurity, food-related worry and challenges, and strategies used to acquire enough food and food sources. Nine hundred and fifty-four respondents were included in the analysis. Results: Compared to no job disruption, job loss increased the odds of experiencing food insecurity, two out of three food-related challenges, food-related worry, participation in SNAP, and use of most (six out of eight) strategies to obtain enough food. Compared to no job disruption, a reduction in household income significantly increased the odds of experiencing food insecurity, all three food-related challenges, food-related worry, utilization of group meal services, growing their own food, and use of most (six out of eight) strategies to obtain enough food. Conclusion: Future research should continue to examine the economic impacts of COVID-19 on food access. Lessons learned during the pandemic can inform policy responses to future public health emergencies.