Food insecurity of food aid users in urban and rural areas in Catalonia after the COVID crisis onset

Abstract

BackgroundThe COVID-19 has impacted the global economy, worsening the effects of recessions on the family economies. In Spain, the demand for social services, specially for food aid has raised. Nevertheless, the degree to which it has contributed to alleviate food insecurity, both in rural and areas, has not been assessed. Thus, the aim of this paper is to report a study to estimate the prevalence and degree of food insecurity, dietary diversity and association between sociodemographic characteristics in a sample of food aid recipients in urban and rural areas of Catalonia in the year after the onset of the COVID crisis.MethodsCross-sectional data on food insecurity, dietary diversity, household income and sociodemographic characteristics were derived from the survey in 7 different food aid distribution points from urban and rural locations. Validated questionnaires included the FAO Spanish version of Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and the Household Dietary Diversity Scale (HDDS). Data analysis included the study of the descriptive and correlational aspects, as well as of group comparisons based on sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsThe prevalence of severe food insecurity was 52,1% followed by 28.1% suffering moderate food insecurity. New users due to the covid showed a significantly higher prevalence of food insecurity. 66% of the participants reported to be new users since the covid crisis. Only 12,5% of the sample lived in households where all adults were unemployed, and 44,8 had a situation of full employment. Almost a third of the sample (32.3%) reported having someone in their household that suffered from any diet-related illnesses or diseases. Food insecurity was higher amongst new users. No significant differences were found in terms of HDDS. ConclusionsOur results indicate that while food aid is critical to many people’s lives, it is not adequately addressing food insecurity. This paper also provides evidence that much of the gap in food insecurity is related to dietary diversity and children in households. Social networks can serve as informal insurance or provide women with more bargaining power within the household.

Perspective: Food and Nutrition Insecurity in Europe: Challenges and Opportunities for Dietitians

“…Although cultural preferences are beginning to be considered in the distribution of food aid, nutritional and disease-related dietary requirements are rarely observed [135,136]. Substantial evidence suggests that these strategies are insufficient for achieving food security and ensuring that users' nutritional needs are met [108,133,137]. Originally intended for emergencies, food assistance devices such as food banks are now used as a longterm solution for food insecurity.…”