UC Berkeley

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.