In the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton, a comprehensive survey has shed light on the food-related challenges faced by households in six affected states. This supplemental survey, conducted in addition to the regular nationwide results, provides valuable insights into consumer behavior, spending, and food access during and after the storms.

Uncovering the Hidden Impacts of Storms on Food Security

Survey Methodology and Sample

Purdue University's Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability (CFDAS) conducted an extensive survey to capture the experiences of consumers in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. A total of 1,209 independent consumers were surveyed, with a focus on those directly affected by the storms. These states endured substantial damage, including intense flooding and power outages.The survey aimed to understand how consumers respond to natural disasters in terms of food access, behaviors, and spending. By administering an additional survey to this sample, CFDAS was able to gather detailed information about the impact of the storms on food consumption.

Food Insufficiency and Spending Patterns

Nearly 21% of households in the affected states reported sometimes or often not having enough to eat within the first seven days of the storms' impact. This finding highlights the immediate food insecurity faced by many families. However, a marked but temporary change was observed in food insufficiency rates. About 20% of consumers directly affected by the storms initially experienced food insufficiency, but this decreased to about 12% over a month later.Many households impacted by the storms increased their food spending. Factors such as stockpiling in case of shortages, increased food prices, and the need to replace spoiled or damaged food contributed to this increase. On the other hand, households that decreased their food spending cited cutting back on nonessential foods and access issues as the main reasons.

Government Response and Consumer Perception

The survey also included questions about the governmental response to the storms. Consumers directly affected by the storms rated the response efforts with a mix of ratings, with 32% giving a "good" rating and 20% giving an "excellent" rating. However, a significant 20% also rated the response efforts as "very poor" or "poor."Most consumers outside the storm-affected areas did not make changes to their food purchases. However, there was an increase in concern about the effects of the storms on food access and availability among these consumers.

National Food Security and Inflation

National food security remained relatively unchanged at around 13% from October. In the six heavily affected states, food insecurity in the last 30 days was 17.8%, and 20% of households directly impacted by the storms struggled with food insecurity.Both the consumer estimate of food inflation over the past 12 months and expectations for food inflation over the next 12 months saw a decrease in November. This follows the November presidential election and indicates a shift in consumer sentiment about the economy based on political affiliation.The Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability, through its innovative data analysis and user-friendly platforms, continues to play a crucial role in improving the food system and providing valuable insights into food-related issues.