Perceptions of Food Access in the Cayo District of Belize

ABSTRACT

Nutrition indicators suggest that Belize faces broad food challenges; however, there are little data on factors influencing perceived food access. This study, based in the Cayo District, Belize, explores socio-demographic factors related to perceived food access. Individuals (n = 299) completed a 32-item survey based on the FIES-SM and USDA Food Security Module Survey, with five items included to measure perceived food access. Results show that education level and number of children in a household are significant predictors of perceived difficulty accessing food. Implications and suggestions for future research related to the four dimensions of food security are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Belize
• food security
• food access
• community development
• health behavior determinants

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the individuals that participated in this study, the Cornerstone Foundation staff and Omar and Joanne Rodriguez. The authors would also like to thank the Oakland University Research Office and Office of the Provost for their support.

Declaration Of Interest

None.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Oakland University Research Office; Office of the Provost, Oakland University.