An increasing number of low-income, working-age Californians are facing challenges accessing nutritious and affordable food, as per a study released by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research.
The study, known as the California Health Interview Survey, is the largest health survey in the state. It revealed that in 2022, 44% of adults with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level struggled to afford enough food. This is a significant increase from 35.8% in 2020.
Notably, the most substantial increase in food insecurity was observed among working-age adults. The survey found that the percentage of adults aged 18-24 who couldn’t afford enough food rose by 11 points to reach 47.7%. For adults aged 25-39, the increase was 8.6 points, bringing the figure up to 51.4%. Adults aged 40-64 also experienced a significant rise of 12.4 points, resulting in a food insecurity rate of 48%.
Among different racial and ethnic groups, Latin American adults saw the largest increase in food insecurity, with a rise of 9.6 points to reach 47%. However, adults identifying with two or more races and Black or African American adults had the highest overall rates of food insecurity in 2022, at 49.9% and 48.6%, respectively.
Additionally, hate incidents and difficulties accessing healthcare were among the top issues faced by Californians in 2022, according to Ninez Ponce, the director of the research center.
“Our 2022 data reveal a complex health landscape—deepening food insecurity, hate incidents, challenges in accessing healthcare, and an ongoing mental health crisis—that paints a stark picture of the challenges faced by California’s large and diverse population,” said Ponce. “We urge community organizations, advocates, legislators, and policymakers to examine these new findings and address these pressing issues.”
The 2022 survey included new and expanded questions about hate crimes and incidents of bias experienced by Californians. While more than 1 in 9 (11.7%) California adults reported being victims of hate crimes or incidents, the rate among Black or African American adults was 1 in 4 (26.2%)—four times higher than that of white adults (6.3%). The rates were 17.4% for adults identifying with two or more races, 15.6% for Asian adults, and 13.5% for Latin American adults.
This survey collected responses from over 21,400 adults, 985 teenagers, and 3,395 children, covering a wide range of topics related to the physical and mental health of Californians.
Other key findings of the survey included:
– Approximately 1 in 6 (16.4%) adults reported experiencing serious psychological distress in the past year in 2022. This is similar to the rates in 2021 (17%) and higher compared to 2019 (13%) and 2020 (12.2%).
– Nearly 1 in 3 (30.7%) California adults who had COVID-19 exhibited symptoms of long COVID. Latin American adults had significantly higher rates of long COVID (38.4%) compared to white adults (24.1%).
– The proportion of adults, teenagers, and children with health insurance in 2022 reached 94.8%, marking the highest rate recorded by the CHIS.
– Difficulty accessing care was a concern for more than 1 in 5 (22.4%) California adults, who reported being unable to schedule a doctor’s appointment within two days. This percentage rose from 12.3% in 2020.
– One-third of adults in need of mental health care stated that difficulty getting an appointment was the reason they didn’t receive the emotional support they required in 2022. This figure increased from 24.4% in 2021.
“While California is often recognized as a leader in striving for health equity, the 2022 data highlights the ongoing disparities that affect the overall well-being of Californians,” said Todd Hughes, director of the California Health Interview Survey. “These figures represent more than just numbers. They tell the story of Californians, their struggles, their fears, and their needs. This is the key to shaping a brighter and healthier future for everyone.”
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