Household Financial Capital and Food Security

ABSTRACT

Nearly 20% of all U.S. households were considered food insecure in 2013. Although income poverty is often associated with food insecurity, the relationship between household assets and food insecurity have not been fully explored. Using a randomized sample of 28,336 adults, the authors examined these relationships, independent of income. Findings suggest that homeowners are more likely to report food security than individuals still making mortgage payments and renters. In addition, individuals who own other financial assets are more likely to be food secure than individuals without these assets. Implications of this study include increasing financial education and opportunities for asset building.

KEYWORDS:

• Assets
• food security
• homeownership