Experience of Food Insecurity: An AARP/UCF Survey of Adult Floridians

Food insecurity is a pressing social and public health issue that varies in degree and in its effects across individuals, social groups, states, and other political jurisdictions. For this reason, it is critical to understand how patterns of food insecurity appear across differing demographics and different geo-political entities in order to meet specific needs through the implementation of appropriate policies.

The University of Central Florida’s Institute for Social and Behavioral Sciences conducted a statewide telephone survey on behalf of AARP Foundation that explored food insecurity – a period when access to adequate food on a regular basis is limited by a lack of money or resources to buy food - among Florida residents, with special emphasis on low and moderate income households. 

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Data from this survey show that over one in ten (12%) Floridians ages 50 and older indicate being food insecure.  And interestingly, whether they are food secure or not, most (90%) adult Floridians view the issue of hunger in Florida as an important problem with well over half (59%) saying they think it is a very important problem.

 This survey was fielded from April 21 through July 13, 2014.  In total, 894 respondents completed the survey.  The sample was weighted by general population age, gender and income 18+ according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Profile of General Population, 2010 (Florida) thus yielding a weighted n of 823 respondents.   For more information, contact Jennifer Sauer at jsauer@aarp.org.