Food Insecurity and Nonstandard Work among Low-Income Households: A Longitudinal Analysis

Alisha J. Coleman-Jensen, Pennsylvania State University

Food insecurity refers to a household’s inability to provide adequate food for all adults and children. Much food insecurity research has been cross-sectional; this study is unique in analyzing panel data to model transitions to food insecurity. Discrete time event history analysis is used to identify significant predictors of the transition to food insecurity. Over one-third of households in the sample experience food insecurity at some point during the three years data were collected. The study focuses on how different work arrangements (full-time, part-time, multiple job holding and not employed) relate to food insecurity. The difference in working night or rotating shifts versus daytime shifts is also considered. Distances traveled from home to work and to childcare are also included in the analysis. Variability in income and complex or changing schedules related to nonstandard work may affect budgeting, meal planning and food preparation.