Examination of food insecurity among single-parent households utilizing services in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi

The purpose of this study was to compare the food security status of single parent and other households participating in agencies associated with the Oktibbeha County Council on Community Resources. Two hundred adults completed a questionnaire containing a series of adult and child food security questions. The major fording was that food insecurity and food insecurity with hunger existed among the adults and children, and was significantly greater for single parent households. Food insecurity in single parent households was 53.3% and food insecure with hunger was 32.7%. A significantly higher percentage of single parent families participated in the food stamp program and the WIC Program than for other families. However, the majority of the families classified as food insecure and food insecure with hunger were not participating in the food stamp program but were using other agencies for assistance. This study confirms the need for local assistance programs.