Measurement and Data Collection Plan
1. What is/are the cause(s) of hunger and food insecurity among minority groups and the barriers that prevent food security among the populations in the country? (Goal: To ascertain the root cause of the persistent challenge affecting the race/ethnic minority groups). 2. What are the individual, community, and economic implications resulting from food insecurity? (Goal: To help understand the significant impact of food insecurity across various aspects). 3. What strategies can policymakers, stakeholders, organizations, and the state and national governments create and implement to intervene in the hunger and food insecurity crisis? (Goal: To intervene by removing barriers that lead to food insecurities and prevent adverse hea
Sample Solution
Hunger and food insecurity are persistent challenges that disproportionately affect minority groups in the United States. Race/ethnic minorities, such as African Americans, Latinos and Native Americans are more likely to experience higher rates of poverty, which can limit access to healthy foods and make it difficult for individuals to afford meals (Gundersen et al., 2018). Other factors like residential segregation can also contribute to these disparities by creating “food deserts” – areas without access to grocery stores or other outlets for obtaining nutritious food (Williams et al., 2019). Additionally, research has found that systemic racism plays a role in contributing to hunger among minority populations; this includes policies with discriminatory intent such as redlining which prevent people from accessing affordable housing or financial services (Mesidor & Parker, 2019).
Furthermore, certain barriers can impede efforts towards achieving food security within different communities. These include limited availability of culturally-appropriate foods that meet dietary needs along with inadequate transportation options preventing individuals from accessing existing retail outlets (Parker et al., 2017). Moreover, stigma surrounding poverty makes it difficult for low income households who require assistance in putting meals on the table due to their economic circumstances; negative attitudes towards those relying on public safety net programs create an atmosphere where people feel ashamed or embarrassed about seeking help even though they need it most (DeLisle & Brownson 2018). Lastly, the coronavirus pandemic has further exacerbated pre-existing structural deficiencies by compounding problems associated with access to nutrition and healthy foods while simultaneously increasing unemployment levels nationwide (Glynn et al., 2020).
In conclusion, hunger and food insecurity among race/ethnic minorities is a complex issue caused by several interrelated factors ranging from systemic racism and segregation through limited resources available within disadvantaged communities all the way up to pervasive cultural misconceptions about poverty. In order for lasting change to occur on a broader level interventions must be implemented at multiple points along the continuum of social determinants affecting health outcomes so everyone has equal opportunity when it comes time for them to sit down at their dinner tables.
