Teen food insecurity in a central Texas city: Teen perspectives using photovoice. Issue 2 (17th February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boddie, Stephanie C.; Howard, Khristian; Hong, Kathryn; Nelms, Samantha; O'Quin, Ana; Sessa, Chrissy; Williams, Rachel; Carter, Sabrina
• Is Part Of: Journal of human behavior in the social environment. Volume 33:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 232
• Page End: 264
• Publication Date: 2023-02-17
• Subjects: Food insecurity -- teenagers -- adolescence -- healing-centered -- trauma-informed -- socioeconomic status -- photovoice; Social psychology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Social service -- Periodicals; 302
• DOI: 10.1080/10911359.2022.2052222
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1091-1359

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Teen food insecurity is gaining attention as a social problem in the United States. This study seeks to understand the barriers to teen food security, coping strategies used to address food insecurity, related impacts, and solutions proposed by teens. Photovoice and a focus group were the primary methods used to enable teens to express their experiences visually and aurally. Compared to results from other teen food insecurity research, teens in this study reported social support strategies like reliance on family and community organizations and sabotaging strategies like begging and stealing food less often than sacrificing strategies such as working jobs to supplement the family's food budget, giving money or food to family or friends, eating highly processed and inexpensive foods, or going without food. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of a teen-focused, trauma-informed, and healing-centered approach that recognizes teens' underlying economic, social, and physiological needs during a crucial developmental phase of life.