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Job Loss and Food Insecurity during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Milovanska-Farrington, Stefani

    (University of Tampa)

Abstract

Nutritious eating habits contribute to a stronger immune system necessary for prevention and easier recovery from illnesses. A job loss, experienced by millions of Americans during the Covid-19 pandemic, is expected to negatively affect food security of families. This research explores the effect of a recent job loss during the Covid-19 crisis on food sufficiency. The findings suggest that a job loss in the family is associated with greater food insecurity, reduced likelihood that a family has a sufficient amount of food, and deteriorated child nutrition. There is also a differential effect between currently employed and unemployed job losers, with the latter group being more adversely affected. The negative effect is primarily driven by Hispanic and low-educated individuals. These results have policy implications in the context of identifying vulnerable groups that are most likely to benefit from programs designed to provide sufficient nutrition to the population.

Suggested Citation

  • Milovanska-Farrington, Stefani, 2021. "Job Loss and Food Insecurity during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IZA Discussion Papers 14273, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp14273
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Deb, Partha & Gallo, William T. & Ayyagari, Padmaja & Fletcher, Jason M. & Sindelar, Jody L., 2011. "The effect of job loss on overweight and drinking," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 30(2), pages 317-327, March.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    food security; nutrition; job loss; COVID-19;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J63 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Turnover; Vacancies; Layoffs
    • J60 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - General
    • I19 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Other
    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis

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