(P02-072-25) Changes in Food Security Among Elderly Populations: The Role of Income Disparities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened food insecurity, disproportionately affecting low-income and vulnerable populations. Income disparities, along with race, gender, and education, have exacerbated these inequities.

To identify which demographic groups experienced the greatest food security declines across income categories since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 419 participants aged 65 and older collected via a Qualtrics survey (August 9–September 15, 2020). Food security was assessed using the USDA Six-Item Short Form, generating raw scores (0–6) and interval-level scale scores from the Rasch model. Statistical analysis, conducted using SPSS, included paired t-tests to compare food security levels before and since the pandemic. Mean percentage changes (MPC) and effect sizes were calculated across income brackets ( < $50,000, $50,000–$100,000, >$100,000) as well as by race, gender, and education level.

Results: Food insecurity increased significantly among elderly women in the lowest income bracket ( < $50,000), with a mean percentage change (MPC) of 5.33% (p < 0.001). African American women in this income group exhibited the largest increase in food insecurity (MPC = 8.26%, p = 0.003), while Hispanic women showed a decline in food insecurity (MPC = -8.43%, p = 0.160). For the middle-income group ($50,000–$100,000), food insecurity also increased significantly, with an MPC of 11.04% (p = 0.001). Males in this group experienced the largest increase in food insecurity (MPC = 15.72%, p = 0.016). In the highest income bracket ( >$100,000), food insecurity remained relatively stable, with a negligible MPC of 0.49% (p = 0.922).

Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased food insecurity among low-income elderly populations, with African Americans experiencing the largest rise. Middle-income groups also showed notable increases, particularly among males, while food insecurity remained stable in higher-income groups. These findings highlight the need for targeted policies to address socioeconomic disparities in food security.

Funding Sources: National Institute of Food and Agriculture, United States Department of Agriculture.