Are low-to-middle-income households experiencing food insecurity in Victoria, Australia? An examination of the Victorian Population Health Survey, 2006–2009

Abstract

Food insecurity affects health and wellbeing. Little is known about the relationship between food insecurity across income levels. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and frequency of food insecurity in low-to-middle-income Victorian households over time and identify factors associated with food insecurity in these households. Prevalence and frequency of food insecurity was analysed across household income levels using data from the cross-sectional 2006-09 Victorian Population Health Surveys (VPHS). Respondents were categorised as food insecure, if in the last 12 months they had run out of food and were unable to afford to buy more. Multivariable logistic regression was used to describe factors associated with food insecurity in low-to-middle-income households (A$40000-$80000 in 2008). Between 4.9 and 5.5% for total survey populations and 3.9-4.8% in low-to-middle-income respondents were food insecure. Food insecurity was associated with limited help from friends, home ownership status, inability to raise money in an emergency and cost of some foods. Food insecurity exists in households beyond those on a very low income. Understanding the extent and implications of household food insecurity across all income groups in Australia will inform effective and appropriate public health responses.

Utilising a multi‐item questionnaire to assess household food security in Australia

“…Nevertheless, our findings reveal that FI is not exclusive to low‐income households. Previous research has suggested that this problem also exists within higher income households . Chronic health conditions, job losses or spending on gambling or tobacco can create financial instability and put strain on food budgets regardless of household income …”

“…Similar to other studies, we established that income was a strong predictor of FS status in this population and it remained after adjustment of age, marital status and education (also significant predictors of FS status). Affording sufficient quantities, especially foods of a high nutritional value, is a challenge and represents a large proportion of the budget, for those on a lower income .…”

Food insecurity, food crimes and structural violence: an Australian perspective

“…It is not just the poorest of the poor who experience food insecurity in Australia; employed middle‐income earners are also struggling 11 . One‐third of Australian households are single‐parent families; as most are at high risk of food stress, 12 even small changes in their financial circumstances can result in food insecurity and can impact the lives of many children.…”

Creating the dietitians of the future

“…The question remains as to whether we are up for this challenge. Increasing rates of obesity and malnutrition, and the proportions of the population not having enough food to eat, may suggest that we are not. This issue of Nutrition & Dietetics provides us with insights into the opportunities for the future—to better equip our workforce to improve the nutritional health of individuals, groups and the populations we serve and for all dietitians to reflect on their practice, the systems in which they work, their role as leaders and to collaborate more closely.…”

“…Schools are struggling to meet policy guidelines to create healthy eating environments—are we preparing our graduates to convince and support policy‐makers and school canteen managers to sell healthy choices while at the same increasing their profit? The emerging evidence suggests that food insecurity is not just a problem of the poor—are our graduates positioned to advocate for basic minimum income to improve access to nutritious food? These examples highlight a need to transform our thinking in the way we prepare dietitians for practice.…”