Food Insecurity in NH

Compared to most places NH is a prosperous state where few people worry about their next meal. But beneath this apparent abundance is a scary reality: 10 percent of Granite State households lack consistent access to adequate food.

While NH has one of the lowest rates of food insecurity in the country, an estimated 51,700 households still lack access to  ade-quate food. Many of them, ironically, work in food-related businesses where 10 of the 20 lowest paid occupations in NH exist. Typically families cut food intake to make ends meet during periods of unemployment, illness or disability.

During this latest recession, higher unemployment and poverty rates correlated with growing food insecurity across NH. As unemployment rose from 3.5 percent in 2007 to 5.5 percent in 2012 and poverty increased from 7.1 percent to 10 percent, the percentage of NH’s population living with food insecurity grew from 7.7 percent to 9.9.

Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food stamp program almost doubled from 44 to 84 percent, and the NH Food Bank and food pantries struggled to meet the need. 

The problem is a national one, and businesses have responded. A study of the national food and beverage industry found that between 2008 and 2010, 69 percent of the industry’s charitable contributions went to hunger relief. However, the end of the recession tempted businesses to focus on other issues despite food insecurity remaining high.

Characterizing Food Insecurity?

Low-income families lack the financial resources to purchase the amount or, in many cases, the quality of food they need. Some studies find families respond by buying inexpensive foods delivering high calories for the fewest dollars—typically processed foods loaded with fat, sugar and salt—a strategy putting them at high risk for obesity. 

Studies by USDA and others have found food insecurity most often in places called “food deserts” where few healthy and affordable food retailers are located. Nationally, these are places where low income households live, in inner city neighborhoods without a vehicle and more than one-half mile from the nearest supermarket, and in rural areas more than 20 miles from the nearest supermarket regardless of vehicle availability. By these measures, USDA has identified 26 census tracts in NH with low food access, in all counties except Merrimack and Rockingham.

In 2012, Carsey reported that 24 percent of NH’s cities and towns had populations at high risk for food insecurity, most located in the northern and western regions. An earlier Carsey study also found correlations in these regions between food insecurity and higher rates of diabetes and coronary heart disease, conditions associated with a poor diet and obesity.

Fifty-nine percent of food insecure households in 2012 participated in at least one of three major federal food programs: the National School Lunch Program, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program, and SNAP. An average of 113,000 people per month in NH now use the programs. In 2012, 11 percent of NH households used SNAP benefits to purchase food. But SNAP’s impact has diminished as, according to USDA, inflation in food prices has reduced the value of benefits, Congress cut benefits by 5.5 percent, and locally more stores no longer participate in the program.

Even with public assistance, food insecure households spend 21 percent less than other households on food. The NH Food Bank, churches and other charities attempt to fill the gap with emergency food and money, much of it donated by businesses.

Food Insecurity and the Economy

As the economy improves, concern about food insecurity may wane. That's why NH Hunger Solutions, a coalition of child advocates, community and business leaders including the NH Grocers Association, produced the NH Roadmap to End Childhood Hunger. Among its goals are to increase children’s access to healthy food, expand healthy school breakfast and lunch programs and create stronger links between families and the food system.

Other efforts include businesses and organizations funding projects to help low-income families learn how to budget, shop, and prepare inexpensive but healthy food. Long-term reduction in food insecurity will require more fundamental changes such as stable jobs with better wages and a stronger, more reliable public safety net.

Barbara Wauchope is a research associate professor and director of evaluation for the Carsey Institute at the University of NH in Durham. The Carsey Institute conducts policy research and evaluation on vulnerable children, youth, and families. To learn more, visit www.carseyinstitute.unh.edu.