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The intergenerational transmission of food insecurity: Do educational compromises make things worse?

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  • Sarah Hamersma
  • Matthew Kim

Abstract

Education is considered one of the great equalizers of economic opportunity. In this paper, we ask whether childhood food insecurity may decrease educational attainment, which, in turn, may increase food insecurity during adulthood. Using longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics spanning 1997–2019, we estimate intergenerational correlations of food insecurity of 0.07–0.27 depending on the severity of food insecurity. We then estimate a mediation model using multiple mediation approaches and educational outcomes. We find little evidence for education as a mechanism for the intergenerational transmission of food insecurity. However, our results mask heterogeneity by education level in (i) the effect of childhood food insecurity on education and (ii) the effect of education on adulthood food insecurity. There does not seem to be an overlap in education categories for which food security during childhood is relevant and to which food security during adulthood is responsive.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Hamersma & Matthew Kim, 2025. "The intergenerational transmission of food insecurity: Do educational compromises make things worse?," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 92(2), pages 561-586, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:soecon:v:92:y:2025:i:2:p:561-586
    DOI: 10.1002/soej.12767
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Sarah Hamersma & Matthew Kim, 2016. "Food Security and Teenage Labor Supply," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 38(1), pages 73-92.
    6. John V. Pepper, 2000. "The Intergenerational Transmission Of Welfare Receipt: A Nonparametric Bounds Analysis," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 82(3), pages 472-488, August.
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