Prevalence and risk factors for food insecurity among a cross-sectional sample of U.S. Army Reserve component soldiers, 2021

Key findings from this study

• The study found that 22% of USAR soldiers in this sample experienced food insecurity.
• The researchers demonstrate that soldiers with high school education or lower had 2.21-fold greater odds of food insecurity compared to those with graduate degrees.
• The study found that Black and African American USAR soldiers had 1.48-fold greater adjusted odds of food insecurity relative to White soldiers.

Overview

This cross-sectional study assessed food insecurity prevalence among U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) soldiers and identified demographic groups at elevated risk. Researchers administered an electronic questionnaire to 2,019 soldiers across 21 USAR Command units between July and December 2021. The Six Item Short Form Food Security Survey Module measured food insecurity status.

Methods and approach

An electronic questionnaire was distributed to all soldiers in 21 USAR Command units during a seven-month period in 2021. The Six Item Short Form Food Security Survey Module assessed food insecurity prevalence. Multivariable logistic regression determined which demographic covariates independently associated with food insecurity.

Results

Food insecurity affected 22% of the USAR soldier sample, comprising 16% with low food security and 6% with very low food security. USAR soldiers holding a high school diploma or lower education showed 2.21-fold increased adjusted odds of food insecurity relative to those with graduate degrees. Those with an associate degree or some college demonstrated 2.44-fold increased adjusted odds. Black and African American soldiers exhibited 1.48-fold greater adjusted odds of food insecurity compared to White soldiers.

No statistically significant differences emerged in adjusted odds of food insecurity by sex, age, rank group, ethnicity, number of child dependents, or civilian occupation category. The magnitude of food insecurity prevalence in this military subpopulation exceeded general U.S. household rates reported in comparable time periods.

Implications

The observed food insecurity prevalence among USAR soldiers warrants targeted institutional response. Military leadership and policy makers should develop education initiatives and resource programming specifically designed for demographic groups showing elevated food insecurity risk. Particular attention to soldiers with lower educational attainment and Black and African American personnel may improve food security outcomes.

These findings suggest food insecurity represents a personnel readiness concern within the Reserve component. Access to comprehensive financial counseling, emergency assistance programs, and benefits navigation support may address underlying structural factors contributing to food insecurity among at-risk soldier populations.

Scope and limitations

This summary is based on the study abstract and available metadata. It does not include a full analysis of the complete paper, supplementary materials, or underlying datasets unless explicitly stated. Findings should be interpreted in the context of the original publication.