Risk Factors for Food Insecurity among Early Childhood Education Providers: Time for a Solution

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated challenges in the child care industry, leading to closures and financial strain. Early care and education (ECE) providers faced reduced income, increased debt, and material hardships such as food insecurity. Using survey data collected through the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC), this study examines the association between food insecurity risk, sociodemographic factors, and pandemic-related service changes among ECE providers in California. The results showed that income, race, and increased food costs were significantly associated with a higher risk of food insecurity among ECE providers. Compared to incomes greater than USD 60,000, those earning USD 40,000–USD 49,999 and USD 50,000–USD 59,999 had higher odds of food insecurity (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 0.683–1.86; OR: 2.12, 95% CI: 0.623–1.81, respectively). Black (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.21–2.94) and multi-racial respondents (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.1–2.65) had higher odds of food insecurity than white respondents. Lastly, respondents experiencing increased food costs had greater odds of food insecurity (OR: 4.52, 95% CI: 2.74–7.45). These findings suggest the need for policies and interventions aimed at increasing food access among vulnerable ECE providers. Such interventions will better protect them from financial shocks and the risk of food insecurity, and will support their crucial role in healthy child growth and development.