Understanding Risk Factors for Food Insecurity Across Idaho

Individuals who experience food insecurity do not have the resources to access adequate food and can experience negative health consequences. Nationally, studies have shown relationships between different demographics and food insecure households. Our study examined food insecurity across Idaho and specifically across all seven public health districts. Data was from the 2023 Idaho's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) - a national health-related telephone survey. The prevalence data was provided by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and we utilized Excel to run exploratory analysis to assess what risk factors were associated with food insecurity. Our analysis found the greatest risk factors were having a disability, being a young adult, being female, and Hispanic. We also found a relationship between food insecurity and individuals who experience 14 or more days of poor mental health. The findings provide increased knowledge of Idahoans who are most likely to experience food insecurity. Understanding these differences is important to share with community partners and stakeholders to better form program and policy solutions to reduce food insecurity in our state.