ASL hands building a bridge over a landscape representing food scarcity.

Bridging the Gap: Addressing Food Insecurity in the Deaf Community

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Understanding the Unique Communication Barriers and Socioeconomic Factors Contributing to Food Insecurity Among Deaf Adults"

Food insecurity is a widespread issue affecting millions, but its impact can be disproportionately felt within specific communities. Recent research highlights a critical link between communication barriers in families and increased risks of food insecurity among deaf adults who use American Sign Language (ASL). This connection underscores the need for tailored interventions that address the unique challenges faced by this population.

The study, detailed in Public Health Nutrition, sheds light on the demographic characteristics and socioeconomic factors that contribute to food insecurity within the deaf community. By examining the frequency of difficulties in affording food, the research identifies key vulnerabilities and informs strategies for creating more equitable access to resources.

This article explores the findings of this important study, translating complex research into actionable insights for anyone interested in supporting the well-being of the deaf community and mitigating the risks of food insecurity. We will delve into the specific communication barriers identified, the demographic factors at play, and potential solutions to bridge this gap.

Communication Barriers and Food Insecurity: What the Research Reveals

ASL hands building a bridge over a landscape representing food scarcity.

The core finding of the research is that deaf adults who experience communication barriers within their families are at a higher risk of food insecurity. These barriers can manifest in various ways, including difficulties in sharing financial information, discussing needs related to food, and accessing resources or support systems.

The study, which surveyed deaf adult signers aged 18-95 across the USA, identified several demographic characteristics associated with food insecurity. These include:

Age: The average age of participants was 39 years.
Gender: Females represented a significant portion of the study population.
Race: A notable percentage of participants identified as non-White.
Education: Individuals with a high school degree or lower were more likely to experience food insecurity.
Employment: Unemployment, including students, retired individuals, and those with disabilities, was a significant factor.
Income: Low income levels were strongly correlated with food insecurity.
Marital Status: Single individuals (divorced, widowed, separated, or never married) were more vulnerable.
LGBTQ+ Identity: A portion of the participants identified as LGBTQ+.
Mental Health: Self-reported diagnoses of depression were common.
Deaf Parents: A smaller percentage of participants had deaf parents.

These demographic factors, combined with communication barriers, create a complex web of challenges that contribute to food insecurity. Understanding these intersecting vulnerabilities is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Moving Forward: Strategies for Addressing Food Insecurity in the Deaf Community

Addressing food insecurity within the deaf community requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles both communication barriers and socioeconomic disparities. Some potential strategies include:

<ul><li>Accessible Resources: Ensuring that food banks, pantries, and other resources are accessible to deaf individuals, with ASL interpreters and visual communication aids available.</li><li>Financial Literacy Programs: Providing financial literacy programs tailored to the needs of the deaf community, helping individuals manage their finances and access available benefits.</li><li>Mental Health Support: Increasing access to mental health services, recognizing the link between mental health and food security.</li><li>Community Support Networks: Building strong community support networks that connect deaf individuals with resources and support.</li><li>Advocacy: Advocating for policies that address the root causes of food insecurity and promote equity for the deaf community.</li></ul>

By implementing these strategies and fostering greater understanding of the unique challenges faced by deaf adults, we can work towards creating a more equitable and food-secure future for all.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1017/s1368980018001295, Alternate LINK

Title: Communication Barrier In Family Linked To Increased Risks For Food Insecurity Among Deaf Adults Who Use American Sign Language – Corrigendum

Subject: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Journal: Public Health Nutrition

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Authors: P. Kushalnagar, C. Moreland, A. Simmons, T. Holcomb

Published: 2018-05-23

Everything You Need To Know

How do communication barriers contribute to food insecurity among deaf adults?

Research indicates that deaf adults using American Sign Language (ASL) face a higher risk of food insecurity when they experience communication barriers within their families. These barriers include difficulties in discussing financial matters, sharing food needs, and accessing support systems. Such communication issues exacerbate the challenges faced by deaf individuals, contributing to their vulnerability to food insecurity.

What demographic factors increase the risk of food insecurity among deaf adults?

Several demographic factors can increase the risk of food insecurity among deaf adults. Key factors include lower education levels (high school or less), unemployment (including students, retired individuals, and those with disabilities), low income, single marital status (divorced, widowed, separated, or never married), LGBTQ+ identity, and self-reported diagnoses of depression. These factors, when combined with communication barriers, significantly compound the risk.

How does the communication dynamic within a family affect food security for deaf individuals?

The research highlighted that deaf adults with hearing families who struggle to communicate effectively about financial resources or food needs are at a higher risk of food insecurity. This is because difficulties in communication hinder their ability to seek and receive support from family members, leading to greater vulnerability. Overcoming these communication gaps can involve sign language classes for hearing family members or utilizing visual communication aids.

What strategies can effectively address food insecurity within the deaf community?

Addressing food insecurity in the deaf community involves a multi-faceted approach. Strategies include increasing access to resources in American Sign Language (ASL), providing job training and employment opportunities tailored to deaf individuals, and offering mental health support to mitigate the impact of depression. Additionally, fostering supportive communities and ensuring equitable access to food programs are crucial steps.

What were the key demographic characteristics of the participants in the Public Health Nutrition study, and how did these characteristics relate to food insecurity?

The *Public Health Nutrition* study surveyed deaf adult signers aged 18-95 across the USA, and the results showed that a significant portion of participants identified as non-White, single, LGBTQ+, and reported diagnoses of depression. While deaf parents were less represented, the combination of communication barriers and these demographic factors creates a complex web of challenges that contribute to food insecurity, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.