An abundance of research and literature has shown that those experiencing poverty are more likely to additionally experience food insecurity. Households headed by a single female are at a higher risk of experiencing poverty as well as food insecurity as compared to dual parenting households. We can conclude that single female-headed family households experience an increased vulnerability to be food insecure. Food insecurity is linked with this population due to numerous characteristics related to low-income communities including the build environment as well as individual and social factors.
Low-income neighborhoods are more likely to be lacking in larger grocery stores and farmers’ markets where high quality produce and other nutritious foods are available (“Why Low-Income”, 2019). Supermarkets more consistently offer cheaper, healthier, and more diverse selections of food but these often not available to low income families (“Hunger and Food Insecurity”, 2011). Smaller food markets and convenience stores with limited healthy choices may be the only accessible option (“Why Low-Income”, 2019, “Hunger and Food Insecurity”, 2011).
Neighborhoods with limited availability and access to affordable and nutritious food are considered food deserts. The convenience stores and small markets that are common in food deserts are more likely to have higher prices, lower quality food, and less variety (“Food Insecurity”, 2019). Low-income households have limited resources and are less likely to have access to transportation to reach larger supermarkets (“Why Low-Income”, 2019). When the barriers related to lack of transportation is combined with distance, the necessity of walking home with groceries has an additional impact on the amount and types of items purchased (“Why Low-Income”, 2019).
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This would limit a single mother to only carry home what she is physically able. Economic challenges are especially difficult for anyone facing them alone with the pressure of supporting their children such as single female heads of households. An overwhelming amount of literature agrees that a lack of financial and other resources leads to a high likelihood of food insecurity. However, the possession of other resources such as benefits can act as protective factors for food insecurity (Cui, 2007).
A study conducted from 2006 to 2008 in Detroit, Michigan found that single mothers of low-income households pay careful attention when shopping, however, increases in prices may still lead to reductions in purchasing even basic food items such as milk, cereal, fruit, and meat (Seefeldt, Castelli, & Andrews, 2009). This is a reactionary behavior that exhibits the prioritization of certain food items that impact the diet quality of their household.
Seefeldt et al. (2009) also found that even though there are benefits available to families to support their ability to purchase food, however, many do not receive this assistance due to perceived access barriers. This study highlights the importance of looking further into the decisions and perceptions of ability that women face when experiencing hardships. Environmental factors play an overwhelming role in determining the outcomes of food insecurity within families both in connection to access and resources available, present and perceived.
Finally, limited time for cooking meals can be a factor relating to a nutritionally inadequate diet. Especially for low-income households, a lack of time can be a barrier to providing family meals that meet healthy food guidelines (Monsivais, Aggarwal, & Drewnowski, 2014). A lack of time leads parents to make food choices based on convenience instead of health. For single-headed households, time can be an even greater predictor than money for meeting certain dietary needs (Monsivais, 2014). A lack of time for cooking is prevalent among working parents with lower incomes (Monsivais, 2014).
