Background
Food insecurity, a growing problem in Australia, has been linked to a plethora of negative health outcomes, including lower diet quality, nutrition deficiencies, and chronic health conditions.
Methods
A national sample of 2,059 Australian adults aged 18-65 years was surveyed by web panel in September 2023. Data were population-adjusted using demographic benchmarks. Multivariable logistic regression models tested the link between financially-driven food changes and respondents’ eating practices, self-efficacy, and barriers and facilitators of preparing meals at home.
Results
Australian adults who had reduced the cost of their food bills, were more likely to report some positive dietary practices e.g. eating less highly processed food and drinking water instead of sugary drinks; and higher confidence to make positive dietary changes (all p<.05). However, among more food insecure groups, including those who experienced running out of food and those eating less/skipping meals, there was a pattern of lower reported daily fruit consumption, lower intentions to eat less highly processed food, lower likelihood of choosing water over sugary drinks, and lower confidence to make positive dietary changes (all p<.05).
Respondents from all three food insecurity groups identified food expenses and being time poor as barriers to preparing more meals at home (all p<.05). Enablers included access to quick, simple, and cheap meal ideas/recipes (all p<.05).
Findings for reduced cost of food bills are further explored by sub-groups e.g. education.
Conclusion
Amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis, there is a pressing need to enhance nutrition support. Despite varying effects among Australian adults who made financially-driven food changes, this research finds there is a need to integrate accessible and practical resources into public health messaging, including offering quick, simple and affordable meal ideas, to aid vulnerable populations impacted by food insecurity in preparing nutritious meals at home.