Governance, social capital, and structural inequality: local drivers of food insecurity in a US state

Using town-level data from Connecticut, this study investigates social, civic, and structural drivers of food insecurity. Multivariate regression models stratified by rurality reveal distinct mechanisms driving food access beyond economic metrics. Statewide, perceived local government responsiveness and social support emerged as protective factors. Stratified analyses expose divergent realities: acute housing insecurity primarily drives food insecurity in non-rural areas, whereas social support is the dominant protector in rural communities. These findings highlight the role of local governance and social capital, demonstrating that effective interventions must be context-specific – integrating housing stability in urban settings while strengthening social infrastructure in rural towns.