Objective: To assess the association between food insecurity and type of food pantry visited.

Design: Secondary analysis of cross-sectional study.

Participants: N=685 adults visiting a choice (n=347) or non-choice pantry (n=338) in Atlanta, GA.

Main Outcome Measure: Type of pantry was the dependent variable. Food security status was the independent variable, assessed using the 18-item Household Food Security Survey Module.

Analysis: Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests used to compare variables. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression models developed based on results from bivariate analysis.

Results: Overall, participants were 60 years (IQR: 51-68), majority were female (75.3%), Black (68.3%), and 53.6% were experiencing food insecurity. Participants visiting choice pantries were younger [58 years (IQR: 48-66) vs. 63 years (IQR: 55-69)], had lower participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (35.5% vs 42.9%), and higher rates of food insecurity (59.7% vs 47.3%) (p<0.05). The association between food insecurity and pantry type was not significant after adjusting for all covariates (OR = 1.44 [95% CI = 0.97 – 2.13], p=0.07).

Conclusion and Implications: Food insecurity was not a factor that influenced type of pantry visited, however, age, income, and proximity to home address were. Studies in other geographic regions are needed to further explore these factors.