Getting food to the table: Challenges, strategies, and compromises experienced by low-income veterans raising children
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Kamdar, N., True, G., Lorenz, L., Loeb, A., & Hernandez, D. C. (2022). Getting food to the table: Challenges, strategies, and compromises experienced by low-income veterans raising children. Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. 17(1), 32-52. https://doi.org/10.1080/19320248.2020.1855284
Abstract Created by REACH:
Veterans may be more likely to experience food insecurity than civilians. This qualitative study explored factors that influence low-income Veterans’ ability to appropriately feed their families. Veterans (n = 17) with school-aged children took photographs of things in their daily lives that help or hinder their ability to feed their families, then participated in interviews and group discussions to reflect on their experiences of food insecurity. Three main themes emerged: the challenges associated with limited resources and personal capacity (i.e., mental and physical health, motivation, cooking skills); strategies to overcome these challenges; and the compromising effects of food insecurity on their health and wellbeing. These themes highlight how differing factors (e.g., resources, personal capacity, military culture) impact Veterans’ access to various types, qualities, and quantities of food.
Focus:
Programming
Veterans
Other
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Veteran
Military families
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Qualitative Study
Authors:
Kamdar, Nipa, True, Gala, Lorenz, Laura, Loeb, Aaron, Hernandez, Daphne C.
Abstract:
Using photo-elicitation, 17 low-income, post-9/11 Veterans with children residing in/near Houston, TX shared experiences getting food to their table. Limited money, time, and disabilities challenged access to healthy meals. Limited resources decreased choice and control over what Veterans fed their children. Affordable, accessible food fell below nutritional standards. Veterans rationed their own intake to preserve food for their children. Informed by Veterans’ experiences, we developed a model of three factors – resources, personal capacity, and culture – that influence quality, quantity, and type of food low-income Veterans access. Policies to help Veterans increase access to nutritious food need to consider these factors.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Taylor & Francis
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Excellence, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, NK
South Central Mental Illness Research and Education Center, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, GT
Section on Community and Population Medicine, LSU School of Medicine, GT
Visiting Research Scholar, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, AL
Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center, DCH
Keywords:
families, food environment, food security, hunger, military, photo-elicitation, qualitative, social determinant
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
REACH Newsletter: