Food Access and Food Insecurity among Early Childhood Educators and Staff Prior to and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study
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| Title: | Food Access and Food Insecurity among Early Childhood Educators and Staff Prior to and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Rahel Mathews, Leah Pylate, Will Davis, Elizabeth Thorne, Jamila Taylor, Shecoya White, Bennett Pope, Emma Bryant |
| Source: | Journal of Human Sciences & Extension. 2025 13(3). |
| Availability: | School of Human Sciences, Mississippi State University. PO Box 9745, Mississippi State, MS 39762. Tel: 662-325-6861; Fax: 662-325-8188; e-mail: jhse@ext.msstate.edu; Web site: https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/jhse/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 27 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Early Childhood Education Preschool Education |
| Descriptors: | Food, Hunger, Early Childhood Teachers, School Personnel, Early Intervention, COVID-19, Pandemics, Social Services, Federal Programs, Welfare Services, Adjustment (to Environment), Preschool Teachers, Preschool Education, Individual Characteristics, Nutrition |
| Geographic Terms: | Mississippi |
| Laws, Policies and Program Identifiers: | Head Start, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children |
| ISSN: | 2325-5226 |
| Abstract: | Emerging research indicates that 40% of early childhood education (ECE) workers experience food insecurity. The purpose of this study was to describe the food insecurity and food access of Head Start teachers and staff in Mississippi before the COVID-19 pandemic and to understand how COVID-19 affected food access. A mixed-methods design was employed using cross-sectional surveys, at two different time points, and three focus groups. Three Head Start centers from the Mississippi Coast participated. Approximately 52% of teacher and staff respondents experienced food insecurity before COVID-19; during the pandemic, their level of food insecurity worsened from low to very low and then seemed to improve. Approximately 27% relied on multiple sources of food assistance during COVID-19. The main themes from the qualitative results described how ECE participants and their families changed their daily routines and how they managed resources. For example, some participated in online shopping, while others cut back on groceries. Teachers and school staff, especially in early education, are suffering from food insecurity in Mississippi. Though they have shown some resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, their food insecurity persists. Implications include the need for comprehensive benefits and programs for Head Start and other early childhood educators. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1492261 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Emerging research indicates that 40% of early childhood education (ECE) workers experience food insecurity. The purpose of this study was to describe the food insecurity and food access of Head Start teachers and staff in Mississippi before the COVID-19 pandemic and to understand how COVID-19 affected food access. A mixed-methods design was employed using cross-sectional surveys, at two different time points, and three focus groups. Three Head Start centers from the Mississippi Coast participated. Approximately 52% of teacher and staff respondents experienced food insecurity before COVID-19; during the pandemic, their level of food insecurity worsened from low to very low and then seemed to improve. Approximately 27% relied on multiple sources of food assistance during COVID-19. The main themes from the qualitative results described how ECE participants and their families changed their daily routines and how they managed resources. For example, some participated in online shopping, while others cut back on groceries. Teachers and school staff, especially in early education, are suffering from food insecurity in Mississippi. Though they have shown some resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, their food insecurity persists. Implications include the need for comprehensive benefits and programs for Head Start and other early childhood educators. |
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| ISSN: | 2325-5226 |
