Food Insecurity Raises Long COVID Risk and Lowers Recovery | Heritage Foundation USA

Food Insecurity and Long COVID: How Risk and Recovery Rates Are Changing

Food insecurity and long COVID are linked. A new study shows that U.S. adults who face food insecurity carry a 73% higher risk of reporting current long COVID. Their odds of long COVID recovery drop by about 30%. Heritage Foundation USA believes this data points to an urgent need for stronger support.

Key Findings: Long COVID Risk Tied to Food Insecurity

• Among 21,631 U.S. adults who had COVID-19, 1,807 reported food insecurity.

• Adults with food insecurity had adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.73 (95% CI 1.39‑2.15) for current long COVID compared to those without food insecurity.

• Recovery among those who had long COVID was less likely in food insecure individuals, with aOR of 0.70 (95% CI 0.54‑0.92) for recovery.

Why This Matters: Health and Recovery Impact

• Symptoms of long COVID persist 3+ months post‑infection in many food insecure individuals.

• Lower recovery rates mean longer disability, higher medical cost, more strain on households.

• Food insecurity isn’t just about hunger: it worsens health outcomes and may delay or block recovery.

What Heritage Foundation USA Is Doing

Heritage Foundation USA is responding to the link between food insecurity and long COVID by funding and supporting:

• Programs expanding elderly and low‑income food assistance

• Initiatives that help people access SNAP and other social programs

• Community health education on long COVID risks linked to nutrition

• Partnerships with nonprofits specializing in recovery support

Food insecurity and long COVID is not abstract. It's affecting people around you. Heritage Foundation USA urges your involvement.