SOCIAL SUPPORT AND COPING BEHAVIORS OF LOW-INCOME FAMILIES EXPERIENCING FOOD INSUFFICIENCY IN NORTH-CAROLINA

The Food Research and Action Center estimates that approximately 12% o f all families with children younger than 12 years old experience food insufficiency in the United States. The authors conducted 16 focus gr oups with 141 participants, who were either at risk or experienced foo d insufficiency, to learn about coping strategies. Individual and netw ork-level coping mechanisms were used to manage insufficient food supp ly. Social networks included family, friends, and neighbors. The assis tance provided included food aid, information, and emotional support. Not all networks were relied on or accessed by everyone. Most particip ants reported that they relied on family members first, followed by fr iends, and then neighbors. Parents found reliance on anyone as stressf ul and often threatening. In conclusion, as the social welfare system becomes constrained, more and more households may experience food insu fficiency. Responsive policies are therefore needed to assist low-inco me families.