Living on the Cusp: A Qualitative Exploration of Food Security Transitions in Washington State Households with Children

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore the experiences of households with children from the first five waves of the Washington State Food Security Survey (WAFOOD) that experienced at least one transition into or out of food security between 2020-2025. This study used a mixed methods explanatory sequential study design. Quantitative data from the first five WAFOOD survey waves (conducted 2020-2024) were used to identify and recruit eligible respondents (n=123) and inform the interview guide. Qualitative data collection (conducted August - October 2025) consisted of 30 semi-structured in-depth interviews of 45-60 minutes each via Zoom. Qualitative coding and analysis were guided by the principles of reflexive thematic analysis, using both inductive and deductive coding. The findings were interpreted through the integrated lenses of three frameworks: the Socioecological Model, the Resilience Capacity Framework, and Campbell’s Framework for Food Acquisition. Some participants described feeling “on the cusp” of food security, and many described experiencing multiple, compounding negative events during the study time period that could precipitate transitions into food insecurity or contribute to uncertainty for the future. Few participants were able to achieve consistent food security, and participants’ short-term strategies for resilience could become harmful to their household food security if applied as a long-term solution. Participants described changes to multiple forms of food acquisition during this period. When asked for their suggestions to address their concerns, participants recommended improvements to food assistance policy, supports for communities, and changes to food systems infrastructure. Policies that increase food assistance benefits to keep pace with inflation, address gaps in food assistance for underserved populations, connect families to additional resources, and support agricultural livelihoods for small farmer could mitigate the factors that contributed to transitions to food insecurity.