Severe food insecurity and food-related coping strategies are common among migrants living in a New York city shelter

Migrants residing in shelters may face high food insecurity. However, food insecurity, food-related coping strategies, and diet quality among migrants in shelters remain understudied. This study described food insecurity, meal satisfaction, coping strategies, and diet quality among adult migrants in a New York City shelter. A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2025. Food insecurity was assessed using the validated 6-item U.S. Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module and categorized as high/marginal (0–1), low (2–4), or very low food security (5–6). Diet quality was measured using the Rapid Prime Diet Quality Score (rPDQS), and coping strategies were assessed using an adapted Coping Strategies Index. Descriptive statistics summarized study outcomes. Among participants ( n = 40), the median age was 29 years (IQR: 24–36); most identified as female (74%), Hispanic/Latino (92%), unemployed (97%), Spanish-speaking (93%), and asylum seekers (74%). Among participants with food security data ( n = 30), 76.7% had very low food security, 16.7% had low food security, and 6.7% had high/marginal food security. Common coping strategies included borrowing money for food (87.9%), consuming canned/instant foods (77.8%), and attending community events offering free meals (76.9%). The median rPDQS was 25.0 (IQR: 20.25–27.0). Participants reported dissatisfaction with shelter meal quality, flavor, and variety. Food insecurity and reliance on food-related coping strategies were highly prevalent despite shelter-based meal services. Findings highlight the need for shelter-based nutrition interventions that improve the nutritional adequacy and acceptability of meals provided to migrants in shelters.