Food Insecurity-Related Stigma Among Adults in the United States: A Scoping Review

Published: September 2025

ID #: CAS95

Journal: Am J Health Promot

Authors: Halverson MM, Appel EY, Earnshaw VA, Sands G, Powell R, Rozin M, Cruz Cordero T, Christostam N, Kennedy N, Katz SE, Sharma SV, Karpyn A

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This review aimed to characterize individual- and structural-level stigma associated with government (ie, SNAP, WIC) and emergency food program (ie, food banks, pantries, cupboards, soup kitchens) utilization in the US. 5 databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, Sociological Abstracts) were searched in June 2024. The review included peer-reviewed articles (January 2004 – June 2024), in the US, in English, original research or systematic reviews, and report on data closely related to general food insecurity, government and emergency food program participation, and stigma manifestations among adults. The search yielded 99 articles. A majority studied individual-level stigma (57.4%) and used qualitative designs (62.6%). Among the 9 identified populations, food insecure adults were the most frequently studied (25.2%). Anticipated stigma (29.8%) was the most commonly reported stigma manifestation, deterring program participation. This review underscores the significance of addressing food insecurity-related stigma to enhance the effectiveness of food assistance programs. Given the extensive evidence of the impact of stigma on program participation, policymakers and program administrators should design, implement and test strategies to address stigma. Future research should explore intersectional stigma, develop a food insecurity-related stigma measure, and evaluate stigma-reduction interventions longitudinally and across program settings.

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Age Group: Adults and Families

Focus Areas: Food Access, Nutrition Policy & Programs

Keywords: Food insecurity, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Resource Type: Journal Article

State: National

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