The association between telework and household food insufficiency in the United States.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the association between telework and household food insufficiency in the United States.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study. Probit regression models were used to examine the association between telework (having at least one teleworking household member) and food insufficiency. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine the relationship across income levels and time periods.

SETTING

United States Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey, Phases 3·1 to 3·10 (April 2021 to October 2023).

PARTICIPANTS

326 876 households with income below 200 % of the federal poverty line (FPL).

RESULTS

Telework was associated with a 4·4 percentage point decrease in the probability of food insufficiency among households with low income (predicted probabilities: 20·3 % (telework) v. 24·5 % (no telework); P < 0·01). The inverse relationship between telework and food insufficiency held across income levels (< 100 % FPL and 100-200 % FPL) and time periods (pandemic and post-pandemic).

CONCLUSIONS

Telework is associated with reduced household food insufficiency in the United States. Policies and interventions aimed at promoting telework adoption, and equitable telework opportunities may serve as valuable tools in addressing food hardship and advancing public health goals.