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Can Internet Surveys Mimic Food Insecurity Rates Published by the US Government?

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  • Sunjin Ahn
  • Travis A. Smith
  • F. Bailey Norwood

Abstract

Food insecurity in the US is measured by the US government using a true probability sample of US citizens. While ideal, some researchers may consider cheaper opt‐in internet surveys. This study measures food insecurity rates using three opt‐in internet surveys and compares the measured rates to those reported by the US government. When sample balancing and the screening procedure employed by the US government is used, the internet survey overstates the percent of food insecure households by 9–14%. However, if one assumes all households with incomes above 185% of the poverty line are food secure, rates are closer to the US government estimates.

Suggested Citation

  • Sunjin Ahn & Travis A. Smith & F. Bailey Norwood, 2020. "Can Internet Surveys Mimic Food Insecurity Rates Published by the US Government?," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 42(2), pages 187-204, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:apecpp:v:42:y:2020:i:2:p:187-204
    DOI: 10.1002/aepp.13002
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    Cited by:

    1. Sunjin Ahn & F. Bailey Norwood, 2021. "Measuring Food Insecurity during the COVID‐19 Pandemic of Spring 2020," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 43(1), pages 162-168, March.
    2. Ellison, Brenna & Bruening, Meg & Hruschka, Daniel J. & Nikolaus, Cassandra J. & van Woerden, Irene & Rabbitt, Matthew P. & Nickols-Richardson, Sharon M., 2021. "Viewpoint: Food insecurity among college students: A case for consistent and comparable measurement," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 101(C).
    3. Rabbitt, Matthew P. & Beymer, Matthew R., 2024. "Comparing Food Insecurity Among the U.S. Military and Civilian Adult Populations," Economic Research Report 341823, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.

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