Table 2. Food Insecurity Trajectories During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Study Sample (N = 7,944 Respondents), Understanding America Study, April 2020-March 2021.
| Trajectory | Weighted % (95% CI)a |
|---|---|
| Consistentb | |
| Remained secure | 64.7 (63.2–66.2) |
| Remained elevated | 11.6 (10.6–12.6) |
| Remained insecure | 3.4 (2.8–4.0) |
| Initial shockc | |
| Initial shock 1 | 4.6 (3.9–5.3) |
| Initial shock 2 | 3.2 (2.6–3.7) |
| Recoveryd | |
| Recovering 1 | 4.3 (3.6–4.9) |
| Recovering 2 | 2.6 (2.0–3.1) |
| Recovering 3 | 1.1 (0.8–1.5) |
| Became insecuree | |
| Became insecure 1 | 3.1 (2.5–3.7) |
| Became insecure 2 | 1.5 (1.1–1.9) |
Weighted to the US general population. Sample weights were calculated for all respondents, first using base weights to correct for unequal probabilities of sampling and second using poststratification weights to align with US population sociodemographic characteristics.
Defined as minimal, if any, observed change in food security status.
Characterized by a rapid decline in food insecurity status between March and July 2020, which may be related to initial stay-at-home or shut down orders implemented by many states and local jurisdictions or to the rapid rise in infections as well as other factors at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Defined as having experienced food insecurity initially, but likelihood steadily declined during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Defined as steadily becoming food insecure during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.