The purpose of the study proposed by the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity  was to develop new measures that assess the availability, utilization, and stability of food security, in addition to the USDA’s Household Food Security Survey Measure (HFSSM).

The study consisted of a formative phase involving an expert advisory group, literature scans, and interviews with individuals experiencing food insecurity.

From April to June 2021, the new measures were tested in five states (California, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, and Washington) in a pilot survey that included scales and items for validation, demographic questions, and the new measures, which were perceived limited availability, utilization barriers, and food insecurity stability. Continue reading →