Original Investigation

LGBTQ+ Disparities in Food Insecurity, Food Assistance Use, and Barriers to Food Assistance

JAMA Network Open 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.38129

October 08, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT

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In this cross-sectional study of food insecurity in Massachusetts, over half of LGBTQ+ adults experienced food insecurity in 2024, alongside barriers to food assistance use. Findings highlight the need for multilevel, community–co-created interventions to reduce disparities among LGBTQ+ individuals in food insecurity and improve equitable access to food assistance.

Corresponding Author: Brittany M. Charlton, ScD, MSc, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, 401 Park Dr, #401, Boston, MA 02215 (bcharlton@mail.harvard.edu).

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