Challenges Facing Vulnerable Young Adults in Food Security: Health Disparities and Regional Disadvantage

INTRODUCTION:  Food security is a worldwide concern, including more developed countries, such as Canada, US, New Zealand and Australia, where elements of the population have experienced food insecurity, food deprivation or lived in food-insecure households. Many food security studies in Australia have provided insight into how to best meet the needs of the general population; however, food security issues among vulnerable young adults living in the more isolated and disadvantaged areas have not been investigated. This study aimed to examine the level of food security among youth who were experiencing employment difficulties in rural North West Tasmania and identify the relationship between food security and regional disadvantage.

METHODS:  An exploratory mixed method design was used to collected data through survey, face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. There were a total of 141 questionnaire respondents (response rate=67%), 22 interview participants from ‘at risk’ vulnerable young adults and focus groups were conducted with representatives from various community and government organisations who work with ‘at risk’ vulnerable youth and young adults.

RESULTS:  The most significant finding of the study was that a proportion of young adults residing in the North West Coast of Tasmania were threatened by food insecurity, which was caused by a combination of factors including living conditions, patterns of food consumption, dietary behaviours, and regional disadvantage. Those with greater financial difficulty due to the lack of a stable employment were significantly more vulnerable to food insecurity and experienced increased health problems.

CONCLUSIONS:  Young adults residing in the North West Coast of Tasmania are vulnerable to food insecurity and related health conditions, which were in part influenced by their socio-economic disadvantages. The findings of the study have many implications for those who are directly or indirectly involved in the collective effort to improve the lives of vulnerable young adults in disadvantaged areas.