A report was recently released that examines the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on food insecurity and human health. The report is entitled, “Change in Food Security and Health Outcomes Since the COVID-19 Pandemic in Northern New England“. Authors include Meredith Niles, Farryl Bertmann, Emily Belarmino, Scott Merrill, Mattie Alpaugh, Sam Bliss, Ashley McCarthy, lead author Jennifer Laurent, and other researchers at the University of Maine,
Niles also leads the National Food Access and COVID Research Team (NFACT), the largest collaborative in the U.S. studying the impact of the COVID pandemic on food insecurity and health.
The findings of this research indicate that food insecurity rates remain higher than pre-pandemic levels in both Vermont and Maine. Key findings include:
- Nearly 50 percent reported anxiety or depression during the pandemic.
- Roughly 40 percent reported weight gain.
- Roughly 29 percent reported food insecurity.
- Individuals with food insecurity were up to 7 times more likely to skip or stop their medication for anxiety, depression, or hypertension, compared to food secure respondents.
- Those with persistent food insecurity (before and during the pandemic) were 8.8 times more likely to experience higher levels of stress, 2.6 times more likely to experience anxiety, and be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
- Users of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs were more likely to increase substance use. Substance use was also associated with a higher prevalence of stress.
- Food insecure individuals were significantly less likely to consume fruits and vegetables and engage in physical activity than those who are food secure.
- LGBTQ+ individuals were more likely to be food insecure, 4 times more likely to report anxiety or depression, and experienced greater stress than non-LGBTQ+ individuals.