New Study Links Food Insecurity to Higher Long COVID Risk, Highlights Role of SNAP
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals a notable association between food insecurity and both the development and prolonged experience of long COVID in U.S. adults. Researchers found individuals experiencing food insecurity had a 2.46 times higher odds of currently having long COVID, even after adjusting for other contributing factors.
The research, analyzing data from 2022-2023, involved 33,483 participants, of whom 13,659 were food insecure and 19,824 were food secure. Among those with food insecurity,567 participated in SNAP. the adjusted odds ratio for long COVID in food-insecure individuals was 1.73. Furthermore, food insecurity was linked to a decreased likelihood of recovery from long COVID (OR, 0.70).
Notably, the association between food insecurity and current long COVID disappeared among individuals receiving SNAP benefits or those who were unemployed. However, a strong link remained for long COVID patients not receiving SNAP (aOR, 2.04) and unemployed individuals (aOR, 2.32), underscoring the protective effect of food assistance programs.
Investigators suggest that inadequate nutrient intake due to food insecurity may worsen or contribute to long COVID symptoms, while the financial strain of long COVID can exacerbate food insecurity.
Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to identify patients at risk due to food insecurity, especially those facing unemployment or financial hardship, and can facilitate access to resources like SNAP. “Expanding SNAP eligibility,simplifying enrollment,and increasing awareness are critical to addressing food insecurity and its health impacts,” the study authors concluded. “Our findings underscore the importance of closing such gaps for long COVID and add to the mounting evidence for the role of food insecurity in chronic disease prevention and management.”
The study was authored by Lin JC, McCarthy M, Potluri S, et al., and published September 2025.
