Association between receipt of unemployment insurance and food insecurity among people who lost employment during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States

January 29, 2021

Raifman J, Bor J, Venkataramani A.

Jama Netw Open

This study aimed to assess the association between receipt of unemployment insurance and food insecurity among individuals who lost their occupations in April-November, 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected from the Understanding Coronavirus in America study and 15 survey waves were utilized. Participant requirements included 1) Participate in a minimum of two survey waves, 2) Household income >75,000, 3) Employed in February, and 4) Lost their position in April-November. Results revealed that of the 1119 participants, 53.6% were non-Hispanic White, 23.7% were Hispanic, 12.1% were non-Hispanic Black, the majority of participants were women (65.2%), and the mean age equal to 45. Food insecurity was revealed in 37.1% of participants and financial restrictions led to decreasing eating in 39.1% of participants. In the sample, unemployment insurance was associated with a 5.7 (95% CI, 3.0-8.4) percentage point decrease in eating less and a 4.3 (95%CI, 1.8-6.9) percentage point decrease in food insecurity. Acceptance of unemployment insurance was correlated with a 48% decrease in eating less and a 35% decrease in food insecurity. Authors suggest that policymakers continue expanding unemployment insurance, duration, and eligibility, as it is vital in providing individuals with basic human needs such as housing and food

Raifman J, Bor J, Venkataramani A. Association Between Receipt of Unemployment Insurance and Food Insecurity Among People Who Lost Employment During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4: e2035884.

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