A plate on a yellow background, on one side is processed fried food, on the other side is fresh food

USC Dornsife researchers tracked food insecurity and nutrition insecurity separately in L.A. County. (Composite: Letty Avila. Image source: iStock.)

LA County faces dual challenge: food insecurity and nutrition insecurity

USC Dornsife study finds 1.4 million adults are affected by both food and nutrition insecurity, with young adults, Hispanics and Asians at greatest risk, potentially compromising their health. Limited food availability is linked to major physical and mental health issues.

ByIleana Wachtel July 9, 2024

While food insecurity has long been the focus of local and national policymakers and researchers, nutrition insecurity has largely been overlooked. A new study by the Institute for Food System Equity (IFSE) at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences aims to change that.

This is the first study in Los Angeles County to identify the populations most affected by nutrition insecurity, distinct from food insecurity. Nutrition insecurity refers to a lack of access to healthy food that meets personal preferences, including cultural, religious and dietary needs, whereas food insecurity simply focuses on a lack of access to enough food.

The study also examined specific health outcomes linked to a lack of nutritious food versus a lack of food in general.

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