Food Insecurity and the Child Tax Credit

Published: January 2024

ID #: 283-5101

Publisher: U Conn Rudd Center

Authors: Caspi C, Gombi-Vaca M, Antrum C

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Food insecurity puts people at risk for many poor physical and mental health outcomes. Food insecurity stayed stable during much of the COVID-19 pandemic but rose significantly from 2021-2022 among U.S. households with children. Many federal supports were offered during the COVID-19 pandemic. These included expansions in food assistance programs like SNAP, as well as other supports like the expanded Child Tax Credit. However, these supports were temporary. In 2022, this research team interviewed 40 low-wage working families with children living in two U.S. cities, asking them how an array of federal economic supports offered during COVID-19 affected them. Sixty percent of participants reported food insecurity. This brief presents what was heard from participants.

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Keywords: COVID-19, Supportive family policies

Focus Areas: Diet Quality & Healthy Weight, Food Access

Resource Type: Research Brief

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