‘Those who need it the most’: Equity framing in 2021 U.S. print news about food assistance

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‘Those who need it the most’: Equity framing in 2021 U.S. print news about food assistance

Thursday, August 10, 2023

Authors: 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.

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