Chapter 4 Food Insecurity Experienced by Women Living in Poverty

Abstract

Food insecurity as defined as “the food intake of one or more household members was reduced and their eating patterns were disrupted at times during the year because the household lacked money and other resources for food.” Food insecurity affects an estimated 14 % of the US population, although measuring it is difficult. Poverty is one of the strongest predictors of food insecurity. Not surprisingly, participants in HPTN 064 frequently spoke of food insecurity and hunger. Many reported going without food in favor of other necessities such as diapers and feminine hygiene products. They also frequently prioritized the welfare of others over their own; children and parents were among the most-often named in this regard.

Women reported a variety of sources of assistance for obtaining food. Some used food stamps, although they also cited the administrative barriers to obtaining them and their inadequate benefit amount. Others reported obtaining food from food banks and soup kitchens. Informal methods of acquiring assistance included borrowing from friends and family and sex exchange with men they knew. Feeding children was often given as the motivation for this informal sex work. Finally, theft was described as a desperate measure for obtaining needed sustenance.

In addition to a description of current policies related to food insecurity, we discuss policy changes that could help mitigate the problem of hunger in poor communities.

“I learned that you could drink water and still be all right.”