Household food insecurity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile

OBJECTIVES: To compare food insecurity (FI) in Chile before and during the COVID-19 pandemic according to different household types and vulnerability indicators. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal study based on two population-based surveys in Chile (CASEN 2017 and COVID 2020). METHODS: Descriptive analysis and multinomial regression models for FI through the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). RESULTS: FI levels increased significantly (P < 0.001) between 2017 (30%) and 2020 (49%). There was increased FI in all households, but especially in those with economically dependent persons (i.e. children, adolescents and older adults). Household vulnerability indicators showed a statistically significant relationship with FI both before and during the pandemic. The pandemic has resulted in new population groups experiencing FI. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in FI, which has also been seen in new population groups.