‘Those who need it the most’: Equity framing in 2021 U.S. print news about food assistance
Thursday, August 10, 2023Authors: Hina Mahmood, Pamela Mejia, Sarah B. Perez-Sanz, Kim Garcia, Sarah Gollust, Jeff Niederdeppe, Erika Fowler, Laura Baum, Breeze Floyd, and Lori E. Dorfman
Abstract
Objective: To understand how equity appeared in news about food assistance from 2021.
Methods: We assessed a national sample of news articles (N=298) for equity arguments and language about racial and health equity.
Results: Only 28% of coverage argued that food assistance programs promote equity. Just 6% mentioned people of color or named racial disparities in food access.
Discussion: Narratives that explain how food assistance programs reduce inequities could deepen their policy appeal and broaden public perceptions around recipients.
Health Equity Implications: There are opportunities for news coverage to expand the discussion of how food assistance programs improve racial and health equity outcomes.