Research shows that 22.7% of active US firefighters experience food insecurity, and according to Gram Research analysis of a 2026 study, those without reliable food access report significantly higher anxiety symptoms and are more likely to use unhealthy coping strategies. The study of 88 firefighters found that food insecurity was positively correlated with anxiety and avoidant coping while inversely linked to diet quality, highlighting how occupational stress and basic resource access intersect to affect firefighters’ mental and physical health.
A new study of 88 active US firefighters reveals a troubling connection between not having enough food and mental health problems. According to Gram Research analysis, about 23% of firefighters reported food insecurity, while nearly half screened positive for PTSD symptoms and over a quarter experienced significant anxiety. The research found that firefighters without reliable access to food were more likely to struggle with anxiety and use unhealthy coping strategies, while also eating lower-quality diets. These findings highlight how the demanding nature of firefighting work can impact both nutrition and mental well-being, suggesting the need for better support systems tailored to this high-stress profession.
Key Statistics
A 2026 cross-sectional study of 88 active US firefighters found that 22.7% reported food insecurity, with 27.2% experiencing clinically significant anxiety symptoms and 43.2% screening positive for PTSD.
Among firefighters studied in 2024, food insecurity showed a positive correlation with anxiety symptoms (rs = 0.27) and avoidant coping strategies (rs = 0.28), while showing an inverse relationship with diet quality (rs = -0.31).
Research analyzing 88 firefighters revealed that average diet quality scores were poor at 58.8 out of 90, and food insecurity was significantly associated with even lower nutritional intake.
A 2026 study of active US firefighters found that nearly 1 in 4 (22.7%) struggled with food insecurity, a rate that researchers linked to higher rates of anxiety and unhealthy coping mechanisms in this high-stress profession.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether firefighters who struggle to afford or access food are more likely to experience mental health problems like anxiety and PTSD
- Who participated: 88 active firefighters in the United States who volunteered to participate through social media and personal contacts in June 2024
- Key finding: Nearly 1 in 4 firefighters (22.7%) reported food insecurity, and those without reliable food access showed higher anxiety symptoms and were more likely to use unhealthy coping strategies
- What it means for you: If you’re a firefighter or know one, this research suggests that food insecurity is a real problem in the profession that deserves attention. Better access to nutritious food and mental health support could help firefighters manage stress and stay healthier. However, this is one small study, so more research is needed before drawing firm conclusions.
The Research Details
Researchers surveyed 88 active US firefighters in June 2024, asking them questions about whether they had enough food to eat, their mental health symptoms, the quality of their diet, and how they cope with stress. They used validated questionnaires—meaning tools that scientists have already tested and proven to be reliable—to measure each of these areas. The study was cross-sectional, which means researchers collected all the information at one point in time rather than following people over months or years. Participants were recruited through social media and personal connections, which means the group may not represent all firefighters perfectly.
The researchers then looked for patterns in the data. They used statistical tests to see if firefighters with food insecurity were more likely to have anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, or poor diet quality. They also examined whether food insecurity was connected to unhealthy coping behaviors like hazardous drinking.
This research approach is important because it’s one of the first times scientists have specifically looked at the connection between food insecurity and mental health in firefighters. Firefighters face unique occupational stressors—long shifts, exposure to trauma, and unpredictable schedules—that might make them vulnerable to both food insecurity and mental health problems. Understanding these connections can help fire departments and health organizations develop better support programs.
This study has some strengths: it used validated, scientifically-proven measurement tools, and it directly asked firefighters about their experiences rather than relying on guesses. However, there are limitations to keep in mind. The sample size of 88 is relatively small, which means the results may not apply to all firefighters. The recruitment method (social media and personal contacts) may have attracted firefighters who were already concerned about these issues, potentially skewing results. The study was conducted at one point in time, so we can’t determine whether food insecurity causes mental distress or if mental distress leads to food insecurity.
What the Results Show
The study found that food insecurity is surprisingly common among firefighters: 22.7% (roughly 1 in 4) reported not having reliable access to enough food. This is concerning because food insecurity was linked to higher anxiety symptoms—firefighters without food security showed stronger correlations with anxiety. Additionally, 27.2% of firefighters screened positive for clinically significant anxiety symptoms, and 43.2% screened positive for PTSD, suggesting that mental health challenges are widespread in this profession.
The research also revealed that firefighters with food insecurity were more likely to use avoidant coping strategies—ways of dealing with stress that involve avoiding the problem rather than facing it directly. These unhealthy coping methods can include things like withdrawing from others, using substances, or ignoring problems. Finally, the study found that overall diet quality among firefighters was poor, with an average score of 58.8 out of 90, and food insecurity was associated with even lower diet quality scores.
The study also assessed hazardous drinking patterns among firefighters, though specific results weren’t highlighted in the abstract. The poor overall diet quality (averaging 58.8 out of 90) suggests that firefighters as a group may not be eating enough fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutritious foods. This is important because poor nutrition can worsen both physical health and mental health symptoms.
While food insecurity has been studied in other populations, this appears to be one of the first studies specifically examining this issue in firefighters. Previous research has shown that food insecurity is linked to mental health problems in the general population and in other high-stress professions. This study confirms that the same pattern appears to hold true for firefighters, though the specific occupational stressors in firefighting may make this population particularly vulnerable.
This study has several important limitations. First, with only 88 participants recruited through social media and personal contacts, the results may not represent all US firefighters—people who volunteered might be different from those who didn’t. Second, because the study was conducted at one point in time, we can’t determine cause and effect. We know food insecurity and mental distress are connected, but we don’t know which one causes the other or if a third factor (like job stress) causes both. Third, the study relied on self-reported information, which means some firefighters might have underreported or overreported their experiences. Finally, the study didn’t account for other factors that might influence the results, such as income level, family situation, or access to mental health services.
The Bottom Line
Fire departments should consider implementing programs to address food insecurity among firefighters, such as food pantries at fire stations, nutrition education, or financial assistance programs. Mental health support services should be expanded and made easily accessible. Firefighters experiencing food insecurity or mental health symptoms should reach out to their department’s employee assistance programs or mental health professionals. However, because this is a small, single study, these recommendations should be considered preliminary and combined with other evidence and professional guidance.
Active firefighters and their families should care about this research, as it highlights a real challenge in the profession. Fire department administrators and leadership should pay attention because it suggests a need for better support systems. Mental health professionals, nutritionists, and occupational health specialists working with firefighters should consider these findings when developing interventions. The general public should care because it shows that those who protect our communities may be struggling with basic needs.
If a fire department implemented food insecurity and mental health interventions, improvements in diet quality might be noticeable within weeks to months. Mental health improvements typically take longer—usually several months of consistent support and treatment before significant changes appear. Some coping strategy improvements might be seen within weeks of starting mental health counseling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do firefighters experience food insecurity?
The study didn’t directly examine causes, but firefighters face unique challenges: unpredictable shift schedules, lower average salaries in some regions, and high occupational stress. These factors may make it difficult to maintain consistent access to nutritious food or afford healthy meals.
Does not having enough food cause anxiety in firefighters?
The study found a connection between food insecurity and anxiety, but couldn’t prove that one causes the other. It’s possible that job stress causes both food insecurity and anxiety, or that they worsen each other. More research is needed to understand the cause-and-effect relationship.
What can fire departments do to help firefighters with food insecurity?
Potential solutions include establishing food pantries at fire stations, providing nutrition education, offering financial assistance programs, and ensuring mental health services are accessible. The study suggests these interventions should address both occupational stress and basic resource needs.
Is this study representative of all firefighters in the US?
Not necessarily. The study included only 88 firefighters recruited through social media and personal contacts, so results may not apply to all firefighters. Larger, more diverse studies are needed to confirm whether these findings represent the broader firefighting community.
How common is PTSD among firefighters according to this research?
The study found that 43.2% of the 88 firefighters screened positive for PTSD symptoms. This is significantly higher than rates in the general population, reflecting the traumatic nature of firefighting work and the need for better mental health support.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly food security status by logging whether you had reliable access to nutritious meals each day, then correlate this with mood and anxiety ratings to identify patterns between food availability and mental health
- Set a daily reminder to eat one nutritious meal and log it in the app; use the app’s stress-tracking feature to note your anxiety levels before and after eating, helping you see the connection between nutrition and mental well-being
- Create a weekly dashboard showing your food security score (days with reliable access to food), anxiety/mood ratings, and diet quality; review monthly trends to identify whether nutrition improvements correlate with better mental health outcomes
This research is a single cross-sectional study with a small sample size and should not be considered definitive medical advice. If you are a firefighter experiencing food insecurity, anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms, please consult with a healthcare provider, mental health professional, or your fire department’s employee assistance program. This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical or mental health diagnosis and treatment. Always speak with qualified healthcare professionals before making changes to your diet, mental health care, or lifestyle based on research findings.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.