| The food-insecure confront barriers in obtaining nutritionally adequate and safe foods, in socially acceptable ways. Although this group may struggle to obtain food as a result of financial and environmental obstacles, deaths from starvation in the U.S. are uncommon. In order to maintain an adequate food supply for themselves and their households, individuals resort to employing food acquisition practices that can result in inadequate nutrient intake, consumption of unsafe foods, and engagement in risky and stigmatized behaviors. This research validates an identified compilation of food acquisition practices used by limited-resource individuals in New Jersey, described the users of emergency food providers (EFPs), determined the lifetime and recent prevalence of practices, and compared them to levels of food insecurity.;A survey instrument was developed to collect information about sociodemographic influences, modifying conditions, mediating mechanisms, and engagement in the identified practices. After expert review, 10 cognitive interviews were conducted, and the instrument pre-tested with 10 EFP clients. A two-stage random sampling strategy was used, with equal probability of selection of EFPs (n = 50) at the first stage and 10 respondents per site at the second (n = 492). Following site and client consent, trained interviewers conducted semi-structured, in-depth, one-on-one interviews with eligible respondents. Data collection occurred from June 18 to October 31, 2008. Descriptive analysis using chi-square tests was performed. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression modeling was performed to elucidate potential confounders.;All 78 practices were verified. Nineteen practices had > 50% engagement. Frequency of engagement in most practices increased as food security decreased. The very low food security level had a disproportionately high percentage of monthly household incomes ;Evidence about the prevalence, extent, and severity of practices used by the food-insecure, and associated influences and mechanisms, can enable policymakers, nutrition educators, food safety experts, and advocates to prioritize and better respond to issues of food insecurity. |
