Food insecurity across age: Evidence from a global study

Food insecurity, which affects access to safe and nutritious food, has significant implications for health and well-being. This issue has worsened in recent years, driven by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical instability. This study examines food insecurity across three age groups – adolescents, adults, and older adults – using data from the Gallup World Poll for 132 countries, based on surveys of >390,000 individuals. The research, which uses the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), finds that food insecurity is highest among adolescents, with a notable increase in their vulnerability over recent years. Socioeconomic factors such as income, education, and health issues, along with social capital, also play a key role in influencing food insecurity. Additionally, interpersonal inequality is more pronounced among immigrants and individuals with high levels of trust but low social support. These findings underline the need for targeted policies that address the specific needs of different age groups, especially adolescents, to reduce food insecurity and its related impacts on health and development. • Food insecurity, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical instability, affects access to nutritious food, impacting health across age groups. • Adolescents are the most vulnerable group to food insecurity, with their risk increasing significantly in recent years. • Factors like income, education, health, and social capital greatly influence food insecurity rates, highlighting the need for tailored interventions. • Immigrants and those with high trust but low social support experience more severe interpersonal inequality in food insecurity. • Addressing food insecurity requires age-specific policies, especially for adolescents, to reduce its impact on health and development.