| Sumario: | Background: Food insecurity impacts the lives of 5.2 million adults aged 65 and older in the U.S. Empirical studies link food insecurity in older adults to impaired activities of daily living, chronic diseases, and diminished mental and physical health. Purpose: This study examined the nature of food insecurity among a sample of participants 65 years and older residing in a north Florida county. Methods: The study utilizes a purposive sample (n=359) of individuals in a location identified as a food desert. This study conceptualizes food insecurity as multidimensional, encompassing the lack of food and how individuals adapt. Thus, food insecurity was measured using two dependent variables: (1) worrying if your food would run out, (2) your food did not last for the month/cutting the size of your meals. Results: The data were analyzed using three separate logistic regression models. The regression model revealed that younger individuals (OR = .92, 95% CI [.89, .96]), those who received food assistance (OR = 2.96, 95% CI [1.77, 4.92]), and those who were not confident that they could find solutions to their problems (OR = .68, 95% CI [.51, .89]) were likely to report food insecurity. Discussion: Combating food insecurity is critical in improving outcomes and reducing disparities. Conclusion: Solutions to food insecurity must be multi-dimensional in focus and approach.
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