Published: May 2025
Bibliographic reference: Marissa J. Spear, Jenni A. Vaughan, Chelsea Barker, Bonnie Faitak, Jen Cole, Sheila Fleischhacker, Arisbeth Garcia, Charles Heam, Krista Langston, Katie S. Martin, Pearl A. McElfish, Tracey Marie McElwee, Ojo Olamiposi, Nick Sperduto, Amanda Wawrzaszek, Norbert Wilson, Hawley Woods & Christopher R. Long. Daily Reality of Food Insecurity: A PhotoVoice Study of Food Insecure Residents in a Rural, Southern State. Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition, Vol 20, 2025, Iss 4, pp. 643-659. https://doi-org.proxy.lib.duke.edu/10.1080/19320248.2025.2505951
Abstract
Arkansas has the highest prevalence of food insecurity in the United States (U.S.). This qualitative study is one of few to explore the daily reality of food insecurity in a rural, Southern state in the U.S. through PhotoVoice. A sample of seven food insecure residents participated in a PhotoVoice project as part of a food insecurity community of practice. Thematic analysis of participant discussion was conducted. Four themes emerged: 1) “community receiving and community giving;” 2) high cost of healthy foods; 3) time cost of food assistance; and 4) navigating resource scarcity. Findings can inform interventions that better support food insecure residents.