Is Food Insecurity a Predictor of Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors?

Abstract

In this cross-sectional study, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between food insecurity and sustainable and healthy eating (SHE) behaviors in adults. The study included 410 adults who were reached through social media applications. Data were collected through an online questionnaire including the Descriptive Information Form, the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), and the SHE Behaviors Scale. The proportion of participants determined as mildly food insecure, moderately food insecure and severely food insecure was 10.2%, 6.6%, and 7.6%, respectively. Household food insecurity is adversely correlated with the Healthy and Balanced Diet (β:-0.226, p < 0.001), Quality Labels (β:-0.230, p < 0.001), Seasonal Foods and Avoidance of Food Waste (β:-0.261, p < 0.001), Animal Welfare (β:-0.174, p < 0.001) and Fat Intake (β:-0.181, p < 0.001). Household food insecurity is the negative predictor of healthy and balanced diet, Quality Labels, Seasonal Foods and Avoidance of Food Waste, Animal Welfare and Fat Intake.