Inequity in Our Eating Patterns
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep inequities in the United States, particularly in access to nutrition and health resources for communities of color and lower-income populations. As the crisis unfolded, it became clear that the ability to withstand illness, both physically and mentally, was influenced by our lifestyle, especially in the foods we eat.
The GAIA study’s findings reaffirmed trends seen in previous research, showing that racial and economic disparities significantly impact dietary habits, health outcomes, and resilience against disease.
White respondents were more likely to follow a Whole Food Plant-Based regimen, with 28% identifying with this eating pattern compared to 17% of Hispanic respondents and 12% of Black respondents. AAPI respondents were the least likely to report eatingWFPB meals (2%), while having the highest adherence to the SAD (66%). Similarly, veganism was more common among White (15%) and Latinx (7%) respondents, compared to Black (4%) and AAPI (2%) respondents.
The severity of COVID-19 symptoms varied significantly by race
One in two Hispanic respondents experienced moderate to severe COVID-19 symptoms, while this rate increased to 63% among Black respondents. Latino respondents in the study reported the highest COVID-19 infection rates. This data aligns with longstanding public health research indicating that minority communities often face greater vulnerability to their health due to structural barriers related to healthcare, affordability, and access to nutritious foods.
The GAIA study also found that based on the height and weight respondents reported, Black respondents had the highest estimated BMI levels in the “obese” category and rated their dietary patterns lower than White respondents. These results highlight a structural issue of affordability and access. Communities of color, particularly Black and Hispanic populations, are more likely to face financial and geographic barriers to maintaining a nutritious diet.
Barriers to Plant-Based and Unprocessed Diets
Limited access to fresh, whole foods continues to put many communities at a disadvantage when it comes to disease prevention and overall health. Without equal access to the food systems necessary for optimal health, these communities face greater challenges in managing illnesses and maintaining well-being.
These results reinforce that addressing the root causes of inequity is crucial for achieving health equity among diverse populations. Systemic barriers, such as limited access to affordable and healthy food options, disproportionately affect minority communities, leading to poorer health outcomes. Addressing structural inequities requires a multifaceted approach that considers the unique needs and challenges of diverse communities, fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Economic status plays a decisive role in dietary choices and health outcomes
The GAIA study found that Americans earning under $50,000 per year are less likely to have access to health insurance, healthcare providers, and farmers markets. Without adequate healthcare coverage or the ability to afford preventive care, people in lower-income brackets often experience worsening health conditions and chronic disease, further exacerbating disparities.
The study "Income-Related Inequality In Affordability And Access To Primary Care In Eleven High-Income Countries" conducted in 2020 found that more than one-third (36%) of lower income Americans have two or more chronic conditions. The same percentage reported also having anxiety or depression.
Significant disparities in COVID-19 experiences among different racial and ethnic groups are closely linked to dietary patterns and access to healthy food options. Without policy solutions that address structural inequities faced by lower income Americans and diverse communities, Americans who need healthy nutritious foods the most will not be able to gain access.
“Unfortunately, not everyone has easy access to better dietary choices,” said Dr. Sparsha Saha, PhD, an empirical political scientist and lecturer at Harvard University. “This research should also be a wakeup call for policymakers, particularly those working to prevent the next pandemic."
Learn More About the GAIA Study Findings
Explore how different dietary patterns affect physical and mental health outcomes during global health crises.