Policy and economic factors that affect food security

This article summarizes a study looking at how food insecurity is related to public policies and economic characteristics.

Takeaways:

Policies that increase access to SNAP are related to reduced risk of food insecurity, particularly among economically vulnerable households.
More widely available school breakfast may help offset food insecurity.
Policies outside of food assistance—including length of unemployment insurance availability, generosity of EITC and potentially higher minimum wages —are linked to food security.
A higher unemployment rate is strongly linked to food insecurity.
Strengthening the safety net—including both food assistance and broader programs and policies that stabilize and raise incomes for low- and moderate-income households—could help protect the well-being of vulnerable families during Covid-19 response and recovery.