For a decade, I played a leading role in the federal government's research on how America measures food insecurity. As lead author of the annual Household Food Security Report from 2023 to 2025, I refined the nation's official measure of food insecurity—data used by Congress, the White House, and organizations worldwide. I am now exploring new opportunities to apply my expertise in research, policy, and measurement.
47.9 million Americans were living in food-insecure households in 2024 through data I helped collect and analyze. This research directly shapes over $100 billion in annual federal nutrition assistance—including SNAP benefits, the Thrifty Food Plan, and school meal programs.
My research has influenced federal legislation (the Basic Needs Allowance for military families), executive policy (the 2022 White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health), and international standards (the FAO's Food Insecurity Experience Scale used to monitor food insecurity in 150+ countries). I have testified before Congress and my findings have been cited in major outlets including NPR, CNN, The Washington Post, and NBC News.
My work on food assistance policy has shaped how programs reach those in need. Research I contributed to informed the 2021 reevaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan—resulting in a 21% increase in SNAP benefits, the first adjustment beyond inflation in 45 years. My studies on military food insecurity contributed to the creation of the Basic Needs Allowance and the Department of Defense's first-ever strategy to address food insecurity among service members and their families. Organizations like Feeding America rely on my methodology to produce county-level food insecurity estimates that guide resource allocation for food banks nationwide.
My research has been cited across all branches of government. White House citations include the Council of Economic Advisors' "Economic Report of the President" (2020) and "Long-Term Benefits of SNAP" (2015). Congressional citations include the 2023 Joint Economic Report, multiple GAO reports to Congress on veterans and college students, and testimony by experts from the Brookings Institution, Northwestern University, Harvard Law School, and advocacy organizations. My work appears in Federal Register notices for proposed rules on Child Nutrition Programs, SNAP work requirements, and Community Eligibility Provision expansion.
My research has directly informed Department of Defense policy. The DoD cited my work in the "Fourteenth Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation" (2025), and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness referenced my research in the Department's memorandum "Strengthening Food Security in the Force" (2023). The VA Office of Health Equity used my findings in their report on "Ensuring Food Security Among Veterans."
I have served as a technical expert for multiple federal and international agencies developing new approaches to measuring economic security. Advisory roles include:
FAO, UNICEF, and WHO Expert Group—Contributed to international efforts to develop standardized definitions for food security and nutrition data, including practical guidance on core data collection methodologies and indicators.
U.S. Department of Transportation—Technical expert on measurement methodology for developing a transportation security measure, applying lessons from food security measurement to other forms of economic hardship.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development—Expert consultant on developing a housing security survey module, bringing measurement expertise to address housing instability.
U.S. Department of Defense—Subject matter expert for the Defense Centers for Public Health and Defense Personnel Analytics Center on military food security measurement, data collection, and research interpretation.
White House Joining Forces Task Force—Invited by the Office of the First Lady to contribute expertise on food insecurity among veterans and active-duty military families.
Beyond federal statistics, I developed new methods for measuring food insecurity—applying Rasch models, bifactor analysis, and causal inference techniques to ensure we accurately capture who is struggling to put food on the table. My methodological contributions include:
Measurement equivalence across languages—I validated the standardized Spanish translation of the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module, demonstrating that Spanish- and English-language surveys produce comparable measures of food insecurity for Hispanic and non-Hispanic households.
Psychometric quality assessment—I developed household-level fit indices using Rasch models to examine the reliability of individual food insecurity measures, identifying cases where response patterns may reflect measurement error.
Causal inference with latent outcomes—I created the behavioral Rasch selection model to address endogeneity when estimating the effects of safety net programs like SNAP on food insecurity, improving on traditional two-stage least squares approaches in the food insecurity literature.
Child food insecurity measurement—I applied bifactor models to separately measure adult and child food insecurity within households, improving precision in identifying households where children experience food hardship.
Survey instrument modernization—I supported the 25-year review of the Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement, conducting cognitive testing and split-panel experiments to ensure the survey remains valid and relevant.
Population-specific measurement—I adapted and validated food security measures for specialized populations including active-duty military, veterans, and college students, accounting for unique circumstances like military housing allowances and campus meal plans.
Ph.D. in Economics, University of North Carolina at Greensboro · Additional training at American University, Georgetown University, University of Michigan, and University of Western Australia
Research
Primary Focus
Food security measurement, behavioral responses to food insecurity, and U.S. social safety net program participation.
Secondary Focus
Measuring other forms of material hardships, including poverty and housing security, and related dimensions of economic wellbeing.
Fields of Interest
Applied econometrics and psychometrics, health economics, labor economics, and defense economics.
Hales, Laura J., Matthew P. Rabbitt, and Shellye Suttles.
USDA Economic Research Service, Technical Bulletin TB-1975. 2026
Previous USDA, Economic Research Service research showed that active duty service members were nearly 2.5 times more likely to live in a food-insecure household than their socioeconomically similar civilian adult counterparts in 2018 and 2020. However, due to data limitations, this research was not able to account for the methodological differences between food security survey measurement techniques for the active duty military and civilian populations. One important methodological difference is that the Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement (CPS-FSS), which is used to measure food security among civilians, uses screening procedures to reduce respondent burden, while the Status of Forces Survey of Active Duty Members (SOFS-A), used to measure food security among active duty service members, does not. The difference in screening procedures used in these two surveys may at least partially account for differences in previous estimates of food security across these groups. This report uses a novel application of a statistical approach that simulates the preliminary screening procedure that is absent from the military survey to adjust 2022 food insecurity prevalence estimates for service members, based on the SOFS-A. The statistical approach first uses civilian survey data from the 2022 CPS-FSS to construct a civilian sample that is representative of the service member sample and then applies logistic regression modeling to simulate the results of the CPS-FSS preliminary screening procedure and its impact on the food insecurity prevalence estimates of service members. The authors find that the simulated preliminary screening procedure reduces the prevalence of military food insecurity from 41.0 percent to 14.1 percent in 2022. Results from the simulation analysis may be considered a lower bound for the measured prevalence of food insecurity for the population of active duty service members since food security screening procedures generally lead to lower rates of food insecurity.
Musich, Addy, Amy Wolcott, Baily A. Munger, Brooke M. Green, Jessica Warrick, Cade Kartchner, Kanae Lee, Jack Varnon, Rickelle Richards, Stephanie Grutzmacher, Nathan Stokes, Jinan Banna, Kendra OoNorasak, Matthew P. Rabbitt, and Jennifer A. Jackson.
The Journal of Nutrition, 155(7), 2423-2442. 2025
This study validates an adapted version of the USDA Adult Food Security Survey Module specifically designed for college students. Using a mixed-methods approach across multiple universities, researchers compared the adapted module with the standard USDA measure, finding that tailored language better captures the unique food security experiences of college students.
Currie, Tanisha L., Cindy Crawford, Patricia A. Deuster, Andrea T. Lindsey, Melissa Rittenhouse, Katie Kirkpatrick, Deborah Robinson, Melissa R. Troncoso, Mary McCarthy, Courtney Paolicelli, Mamusu Turay, Maria McConville, Shellye Suttles, Matthew P. Rabbitt, Amy B. Adler, and Jonathan M. Scott.
Nutrients, 17(22), 3592. 2025
Presents a comprehensive framework for promoting healthy nutrition behaviors within military populations. The paper outlines strategies for military leaders to foster nutritionally-focused environments that support force readiness and overall health of service members.
Ambrozek, Charlotte E., Timothy K. M. Beatty, Marianne P. Bitler, Xinzhe H. Cheng, and Matthew P. Rabbitt.
Journal of Policy Analysis and Management. 2025
Analyzes the transition from paper vouchers to electronic benefits transfer (EBT) in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Using administrative vendor data, the study examines how EBT implementation affected store participation and benefit redemption patterns.
Beymer, Matthew R., Courtney P. Paolicelli, Joanna J. Reagan, Shellye A. Suttles, and Matthew P. Rabbitt.
Military Medicine. 2025
Examines the relationship between food security status and job satisfaction among active-duty U.S. military service members using nationally representative data from 2020. Findings suggest food insecurity is associated with lower satisfaction levels, with implications for military retention and readiness.
Beymer, Matthew R., Matthew P. Rabbitt, Joanna J. Reagan, and Courtney P. Paolicelli.
The Journal of Nutrition, 155(3), 936. 2025
Investigates how food insecurity relates to self-reported health, stress levels, and mental health service utilization among active-duty military personnel. The study uses representative survey data to quantify these associations and their implications for military wellness programs.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 40(3-4), 564. 2025
Examines the link between food insecurity and intimate partner violence victimization among U.S. Army soldiers. Using cross-sectional survey data, the study identifies significant associations and explores potential moderating factors including demographic, financial, and mental health characteristics.
Rabbitt, Matthew P., Madeline Reed-Jones, Laura J. Hales, Shellye Suttles, and Michael P. Burke.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2025
The annual flagship report on U.S. household food security, presenting national statistics from the December 2024 Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement. Reports that 13.7% of households experienced food insecurity, with 5.4% experiencing very low food security.
Rabbitt, Matthew P., Madeline Reed-Jones, Laura J. Hales, Shellye Suttles, and Michael P. Burke.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2025
Companion data tables to the 2024 annual food security report, providing detailed statistics on food security prevalence by household characteristics, state-level estimates, and historical trends. Essential reference for researchers and policymakers analyzing food insecurity patterns.
Sassine, AnnieBelle J., Matthew P. Rabbitt, Alisha Coleman-Jensen, Nadine R. Sahyoun, and Alanna J. Moshfegh.
Current Developments in Nutrition. 2024
Develops a novel measurement approach for food insecurity among older adults that accounts for both resource constraints and food-related physical functioning limitations. The method addresses the unique challenges older adults face in acquiring and preparing food.
Rabbitt, Matthew P., Madeline Reed-Jones, Laura J. Hales, and Michael P. Burke.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2024
Annual report documenting that 13.5% of U.S. households were food insecure in 2023, statistically significantly higher than 2022. Presents trends, demographic patterns, and geographic variation in food insecurity across the nation.
Rabbitt, Matthew P., Madeline Reed-Jones, Laura J. Hales, and Michael P. Burke.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2024
Companion data tables to the 2023 annual food security report, providing detailed breakdowns by household composition, income, race/ethnicity, and state. Includes historical time series data essential for trend analysis.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2024
First nationally representative comparison of food insecurity between active-duty military and demographically equivalent civilian populations. Finds military food insecurity (25.3%) significantly exceeds civilian rates (10.1%), with implications for force readiness.
Ellison, Brenna, Cassandra J. Nguyen, Matthew P. Rabbitt, Brian French, and Meg Bruening.
Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, 46(4), 1301-1318. 2024
Tests whether adding a preamble to clarify the meaning of 'money for food' improves measurement properties of the Food Security Survey Module among college students. Results indicate the preamble did not improve model fit, suggesting other measurement modifications may be needed.
Rabbitt, Matthew P., Laura J. Hales, Michael P. Burke, and Alisha Coleman-Jensen.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2023
Reports that food insecurity rose to 12.8% of U.S. households in 2022, a significant increase from 10.2% in 2021. Documents the first substantial increase in food insecurity following pandemic-era declines.
Rabbitt, Matthew P., Laura J. Hales, Michael P. Burke, and Alisha Coleman-Jensen.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2023
Companion data tables to the 2022 annual food security report, providing comprehensive statistics documenting the post-pandemic rise in food insecurity across demographic groups and geographic regions.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2023
Technical report analyzing results from a split-panel test that compared revised and standard versions of the food security survey instrument. Confirms that updates to survey questions do not significantly affect food insecurity prevalence estimates.
Coleman-Jensen, Alisha, Christian A. Gregory, and Matthew P. Rabbitt.
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 123(10S), S20-S24. 2023
Commentary highlighting the importance of continued investment in food security measurement research. Discusses USDA's 25-year monitoring program and identifies priorities for future methodological improvements.
Giombi, Kristen C., Matthew P. Rabbitt, and Shawn Karns.
The Journal of Nutrition, 153(9), 2726-2735. 2023
Simulates the effects of exempting the Basic Allowance for Housing from SNAP eligibility calculations. Finds that exempting BAH would increase the number of military households eligible for SNAP and reduce poverty rates among military families.
Sassine, AnnieBelle J., Matthew P. Rabbitt, Alisha Coleman-Jensen, Alanna J. Moshfegh, and Nadine R. Sahyoun.
The Journal of Nutrition, 153(4), 1273-1282. 2023
Develops and validates a new tool to assess food insecurity among older adults that accounts for physical limitations affecting food acquisition and preparation. The Physical Food Security Tool complements existing measures by capturing food access challenges unique to aging populations.
Coleman-Jensen, Alisha, Matthew P. Rabbitt, Christian A. Gregory, and Anita Singh.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2022
Documents that 10.2% of households were food insecure in 2021, similar to 2020 levels. Analyzes how pandemic-era assistance programs may have prevented increases despite economic disruptions.
Coleman-Jensen, Alisha, Matthew P. Rabbitt, Christian A. Gregory, and Anita Singh.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2022
Companion data tables to the 2021 annual food security report, providing detailed statistics during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic with breakdowns by demographic characteristics and state.
Rabbitt, Matthew P., Matthew R. Beymer, and Joanna J. Reagan.
Public Health Nutrition. 2022
Examines how the COVID-19 pandemic affected food security and food acquisition behaviors among active-duty soldiers and their families. Identifies increased food insecurity and changes in food shopping patterns during the pandemic.
Coleman-Jensen, Alisha, Matthew P. Rabbitt, Christian A. Gregory, and Anita Singh.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2021
Reports national food security statistics during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, finding 10.5% of households were food insecure. Discusses how federal relief programs may have mitigated potential increases.
Coleman-Jensen, Alisha, Matthew P. Rabbitt, Christian A. Gregory, and Anita Singh.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2021
Companion data tables to the 2020 annual food security report, documenting food insecurity patterns during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic with detailed demographic and geographic breakdowns.
Amber Waves, Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2021
Amber Waves article documenting the substantial increase in food pantry utilization during 2020. Analyzes which household types experienced the largest increases in charitable food assistance.
Rabbitt, Matthew P., George Engelhard, Jr., and J. Kyle Jennings.
Journal of Economic and Social Measurement. 2021
Technical paper examining whether food security scales measure a single underlying construct or multiple dimensions. Uses Rasch analysis to evaluate the measurement properties of the USDA food security module.
Beymer, Matthew R., Joanna J. Reagan, Matthew P. Rabbitt, Abby E. Webster, and Eren Y. Watkins.
Journal of Nutrition. 2021
Studies how even mild food insecurity affects military retention intentions. Finds that soldiers with marginal food insecurity are more likely to consider leaving the Army, suggesting food security is important for workforce stability.
Ellison, Brenna, Meg Bruening, Daniel J. Hruschka, Cassandra J. Nikolaus, Matthew P. Rabbitt, and Irene van Woerden.
Food Policy. 2021
Argues for standardized measurement approaches in college food insecurity research. Reviews methodological inconsistencies across studies and proposes best practices for comparable measurement.
Restrepo, Brandon J., Matthew P. Rabbitt, and Christian A. Gregory.
Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy. 2021
Uses coronavirus-induced business closures as a natural experiment to estimate causal effects of unemployment on household food spending and adequacy. Finds significant negative impacts on food security.
Wang, Jue, George Engelhard, Jr., Victoria T. Tanaka, and Matthew P. Rabbitt.
Measurement: Interdisciplinary Research and Perspectives. 2020
Technical paper testing whether food security measures function equivalently across different population subgroups using multilevel Rasch models. Important for ensuring valid comparisons across demographic groups.
Coleman-Jensen, Alisha, Matthew P. Rabbitt, Christian A. Gregory, and Anita Singh.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2020
Companion data tables to the 2019 annual food security report, providing the last pre-pandemic baseline statistics with comprehensive demographic and state-level breakdowns.
Heflin, Colleen, Irma Arteaga, Jean F. Ndashimye, and Matthew P. Rabbitt.
BMC Pediatrics, 20(1), 1-8. 2020
Examines whether SNAP participation affects childhood injury rates using linked administrative data from Missouri. Explores potential mechanisms including improved nutrition and reduced household stress.
Tanaka, Victoria T., George Engelhard Jr., and Matthew P. Rabbitt.
Journal of Family and Economic Issues. 2020
Develops a bifactor measurement model to separately measure adult and child food insecurity within households. Improves precision in identifying households where children experience food insecurity.
Coleman-Jensen, Alisha, Matthew P. Rabbitt, Christian A. Gregory, and Anita Singh.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2019
Companion data tables to the 2018 annual food security report, providing detailed statistics on food insecurity prevalence across household types, income levels, and states.
Amber Waves, Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2019
Amber Waves article examining how SNAP households modify spending and time use when benefit levels change. Shows households make strategic adjustments across multiple budget categories.
Kim, Jiyoon, Matthew P. Rabbitt, and Charlotte Tuttle.
Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy. 2019
Analyzes household expenditure responses to the 2013 reduction in SNAP benefits. Uses difference-in-differences methods to identify spending adjustments across food and non-food categories.
Tanaka, Victoria T., George Engelhard, Jr., and Matthew P. Rabbitt.
Journal of Applied Measurement, 20(1), 100-111. 2019
Tests whether SNAP participation affects how households respond to food security questions. Important for understanding whether observed differences reflect true food security or measurement artifacts.
Heflin, Colleen, Irma Arteaga, Leslie Hodges, Jean F. Ndashiyme, and Matthew P. Rabbitt.
Social Science & Medicine, 220, 203-211. 2019
Investigates the relationship between SNAP participation and childhood asthma outcomes using administrative data. Explores whether improved nutrition through SNAP reduces asthma-related health care utilization.
Methodological paper demonstrating how to use Rasch model-derived measures as outcomes in causal inference frameworks. Addresses measurement error issues in policy evaluation.
Coleman-Jensen, Alisha, Matthew P. Rabbitt, Christian A. Gregory, and Anita Singh.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2018
Companion data tables to the 2017 annual food security report, with detailed statistics showing continued recovery from recession-era food insecurity levels.
Journal of Economic and Social Measurement, 42, 171-187. 2017
Evaluates the psychometric properties of the Spanish-language version of the U.S. food security module. Confirms measurement equivalence across English and Spanish administration.
Engelhard Jr., George, Matthew P. Rabbitt, and Emily M. Engelhard.
Educational and Psychological Measurement, 78(1), 1089-1107. 2017
Develops methods to identify households with unusual response patterns on food security surveys. Helps improve data quality by flagging potentially problematic responses.
Rabbitt, Matthew P., Alisha Coleman-Jensen, and Christian A. Gregory.
Amber Waves, Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2017
Amber Waves article explaining how to interpret food security statistics. Distinguishes between prevalence across subgroups and the distribution of food-insecure households.
Coleman-Jensen, Alisha, Matthew P. Rabbitt, Christian A. Gregory, and Anita Singh.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2017
Companion data tables to the 2016 annual food security report, providing comprehensive statistics on food insecurity across demographic groups and states during continued economic recovery.
Coleman-Jensen, Alisha, Matthew P. Rabbitt, and Christian A. Gregory.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2017
Technical report evaluating an alternative method for classifying food security among households with children. Compares experimental approach to standard methodology.
Smith, Michael D., Matthew P. Rabbitt, and Alisha Coleman-Jensen.
World Development, 93, 402-412. 2017
Uses the FAO's Food Insecurity Experience Scale to analyze global patterns of food insecurity. Identifies key demographic and economic correlates across countries.
Coleman-Jensen, Alisha, Matthew P. Rabbitt, Christian A. Gregory, and Anita Singh.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2016
Companion data tables to the 2015 annual food security report, documenting the first significant decline in food insecurity since the Great Recession with detailed demographic breakdowns.
Clay, Dawn M., Michele Ver Ploeg, Alisha Coleman-Jensen, Howard Elitzak, Christian A. Gregory, David Levin, Constance Newman, and Matthew P. Rabbitt.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2016
Technical comparison of the National Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey (FoodAPS) with other national food surveys. Examines data quality and consistency across survey instruments.
Rabbitt, Matthew P., Michael D. Smith, and Alisha Coleman-Jensen.
Amber Waves, Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2016
Amber Waves article exploring variation in food insecurity across Hispanic subgroups. Shows significant differences by national origin, citizenship status, and time in the U.S.
Rabbitt, Matthew P., Michael D. Smith, and Alisha Coleman-Jensen.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2016
Detailed analysis of food insecurity patterns among Hispanic adults, examining variation by country of origin, immigration status, and other characteristics.
Coleman-Jensen, Alisha, Matthew P. Rabbitt, Christian A. Gregory, and Anita Singh.
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2015
Companion data tables to the 2014 annual food security report, providing detailed statistics on food insecurity prevalence near the peak of post-recession levels.
Tanaka, Victoria T., George Engelhard Jr., and Matthew P. Rabbitt.
Quantitative Psychology: IMPS 2019, Springer Proceedings in Mathematics & Statistics, Vol 322, pp. 319-331. 2020
Explores modeling polytomous Household Food Security Survey Module items with a partial credit model, comparing it to the dichotomous Rasch model currently used by USDA. Demonstrates that using a polytomous model increases the precision of food insecurity estimates by treating survey responses as ordered categories rather than binary outcomes.
Gregory, Christian A., Matthew P. Rabbitt, and David C. Ribar.
SNAP Matters: How Food Stamps Affect Health and Well-Being, Stanford University Press, pp. 74-106. 2016
Examines the relationship between SNAP participation and food insecurity, addressing the methodological challenges of estimating causal effects when program participation is endogenous. Reviews the literature on SNAP's effectiveness in reducing food insecurity and discusses implications for policy evaluation.
Manuscripts Under Review
Risk Factors for Food Insecurity Among Active-Duty Military Personnel: A Research Note
Heflin, Colleen, Matthew P. Rabbitt, and Laura J. Hales.
Revise & Resubmit, Demography.
The Probability of Food Security: A New Longitudinal Data Set Using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics
Lee, Seungmin, John Hoddinott, Christopher B. Barrett, and Matthew P. Rabbitt.
Submitted, Food Security.
The Association Between Military Commissary Utilization and Food Insecurity in the U.S. Military
Addison-Sarauw, Traci H., Matthew R. Beymer, Matthew P. Rabbitt, and Laura J. Hales.
Revise & Resubmit, Military Medicine.
The Cost of a Nutritious Diet in Cafeterias: Evidence from U.S. Military Dining Facilities
Fan, Linlin, Yiwen Zhao, Andrea Carlson, Parke Wilde, Matthew P. Rabbitt, Joanna Reagan, Julianna Jayne, Starr Seip, and Denise Laursen.
Revise & Resubmit, Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy.
USDA-ERS-Yeutter Institute Food Security Modeling Research Symposium—Key Findings and Implications
Zereyesus, Yacob Abrehe, John Beghin, Craig Gundersen, Madeline Reed-Jones, Laura J. Hales, Alisha Coleman-Jensen, Matthew P. Rabbitt, and Lila Cardell.
Under Review, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
National Bureau of Interlocking Brick Research. 2026
This paper develops a formal economic model of the pain experienced by parents who step on Lego bricks in the dark. I derive the optimal barefoot navigation strategy under uncertainty, characterize the equilibrium distribution of bricks across household floor space, and propose a Rasch measurement model for the latent trait I term pedal vulnerability. I estimate item difficulty parameters for 14 common Lego pieces using simulated stated-preference data from 847 parents across six countries. The transparent 1×1 round plate emerges as the most painful item, a result I refer to as the "Invisible Caltrops Theorem." The findings suggest that the expected pain cost of Lego exposure increases superlinearly with the child's age and creativity, generating a paradox: the developmental milestones that bring parents the greatest joy are precisely those that maximize their nocturnal suffering.
This paper was developed collaboratively with Claude AI (Anthropic). Claude contributed to baseline model development, prose drafting, mathematical verification, structural feedback, and presentation materials. All theoretical framing, research design, comedic judgment, and final editorial decisions are the author's.
rasch_estimate: A Stata Command for Applied Rasch Measurement
Rabbitt, Matthew P.
This article describes rasch_estimate, a Stata command for calibrating the Rasch measurement model via conditional maximum likelihood (CML). The command implements the complete estimation and scoring pipeline used in applied measurement, including support for polytomous items specified as dependent dichotomy pairs, hierarchical screening blocks, flexible scale metrics, comprehensive fit diagnostics (including person-level infit and outfit), and classification reliability. The Rasch model is motivated as a restricted latent variable model that yields sufficient statistics for both item and person parameters, making CML estimation possible without distributional assumptions about the latent trait. Two empirical examples are presented: a simulated dataset illustrating basic usage and model interpretation, and a calibration of the 10-item U.S. Adult Food Security Scale from the 2018 Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement demonstrating the command's full capabilities with probability weights, polytomous items, and screening blocks.
Estimating the Accuracy and Consistency of Classifications Based on Item Response Theory Measures
Rabbitt, Matthew P.
Latent variables estimated using Item Response Theory (IRT) are routinely used to classify individuals into categories, yet the measurement error inherent in these estimates can lead to misclassification. This article introduces irtacc, a Stata command that computes classification accuracy and classification consistency indices using the method developed by Rudner (2001, 2005). Classification accuracy measures the validity of a classification decision—the expected proportion of individuals whose observed classification matches their true classification. Classification consistency measures the reliability of a classification decision—the expected proportion of individuals who would receive the same classification on two independent administrations of the instrument. The command also computes individual-level and aggregate false-positive and false-negative rates. I first demonstrate the command's performance using simulated data from a Rasch model, where the true data-generating process is known and the results can be validated against the known truth. I then provide an empirical application using data from the 2019 Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement to classify U.S. households as food insecure based on the USDA's 18-item Household Food Security Survey Module.
Works in Progress
Works in progress will be available here soon.
Check back for ongoing research on food security measurement, policy evaluation, and related topics.
Recognized for outstanding impact on agricultural, food, environmental, and related policy, based on sound foundations in economic theory, in the tradition of Bruce Gardner. This prize honors work that provides timely and relevant information for more effective public policy and program discussions.
Policy Impact
My research on food security measurement and military food insecurity has directly informed federal legislation, executive branch policy initiatives, and program design across multiple agencies.
As lead author of the nation's official food security statistics since 2015, this annual report directly informs SNAP benefit levels, WIC funding allocations, Farm Bill debates, and the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. Agriculture Secretary statements consistently cite these findings to advocate for nutrition program investments.
Referenced in: Congressional testimony, Farm Bill negotiations, state-level nutrition policy
Research on military food insecurity directly informed the creation of the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA), a new stipend for low-income military families enacted in the FY2022 NDAA. Congressional debates and DoD testimony cited findings that "1 in 3 active duty soldiers are classified as marginally food insecure."
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin designated military food insecurity as one of his "highest priorities." The Pentagon's 2022 strategy and roadmap explicitly builds on USDA-ERS research to guide data collection, policy development, and intervention design across all service branches.
Food security statistics inform SNAP benefit adequacy assessments and program evaluation at the Food and Nutrition Service. ERS food security data directly contributes to Thrifty Food Plan reevaluations (which determine maximum SNAP benefits), and annual reports documenting SNAP household participation rates among food-insecure populations shape program outreach and policy adjustments.
USDA Food Security Survey Module — Gold Standard for Research & Policy
Methodological research on the Food Security Survey Module has validated and refined the measurement approach used by federal agencies, state governments, academic researchers, and international organizations including the FAO. The module is embedded in major national surveys and serves as the basis for program eligibility determination.
Used by: Census Bureau, CDC, state health departments, Feeding America, academic researchers worldwide
Led the comprehensive revision of the nation's primary food security data collection instrument in 2022—the first major update since the survey's creation in the 1990s. Working with the Census Bureau and Food and Nutrition Service, developed and validated revised questions through cognitive testing and split-panel experiments to ensure continued scientific quality while maintaining comparability with 25+ years of historical data.
Testified before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity (July 11, 2022). Presented research findings on veteran food insecurity to Chairman Mike Levin, Full Committee Chairman Mark Takano, and Ranking Member Barry Moore, providing empirical evidence to inform congressional action on veteran nutrition assistance.
Military Family Food Insecurity — From Research to National Conversation
Findings that military food insecurity rates exceed civilian rates (25.8% vs. ~10%) transformed the policy conversation around military compensation and benefits. Research has been cited in congressional hearings, used by advocacy organizations like MAZON and Blue Star Families, and covered extensively in national media.
Impact: Influenced DoD data collection practices, military spouse employment initiatives, and Basic Allowance for Housing policy reviews
Food security data from the annual Household Food Security Report directly informed the historic 2022 White House Conference—the first in over 50 years—and the resulting National Strategy to end hunger by 2030. Conference Pillar 5 specifically prioritized "enhancing nutrition and food security research." Statistics showing 34 million Americans in food-insecure households shaped the conference's policy recommendations.
This flagship national study—which produces county-level food insecurity estimates for all 3,144 U.S. counties—directly builds on USDA-ERS methodology and data. Technical briefs explicitly cite "Household Food Security in the United States" (Rabbitt et al.) for key parameters including the 7-month average duration of food insecurity. Map the Meal Gap informs resource allocation decisions by food banks, policymakers, and advocacy organizations nationwide.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization developed the FIES in collaboration with USDA-ERS, building directly on the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module methodology. FIES is now used to monitor SDG Indicator 2.1.2 (prevalence of moderate/severe food insecurity) in 150+ countries annually through the Gallup World Poll. Co-authored research ("Who are the World's Food Insecure?") contributed to validating this international approach.
In September 2025, Members of Congress led by Rep. Alma Adams sent a formal letter to USDA calling for reinstatement of the Household Food Security reports, citing the research as "the most important high-quality, consistent measure of national and state-level food insecurity we have in the U.S." The letter emphasized that data showing 47.4 million Americans in food-insecure households is essential for evidence-based policymaking.
The White House Council of Economic Advisors cited the Household Food Security Report in the annual Economic Report of the President, using food insecurity data to assess the effectiveness of federal nutrition programs and inform economic policy recommendations to Congress.
The Council of Economic Advisors cited "The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Food Insecurity" in their landmark report on SNAP's long-term benefits, using the research to document the program's effectiveness in reducing food insecurity and improving health outcomes.
The Department of Defense cited food security research in the Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation, the comprehensive assessment that guides military pay and benefits policy. Research on comparing food insecurity rates between military and civilian populations directly informed recommendations on military family support programs.
Research has been cited in multiple GAO reports to Congress, including reports on veteran food insecurity (GAO-22-104740), SNAP eligibility among college students (GAO-24-107074), and nutritional needs of older adults (GAO-20-18). These reports directly inform congressional oversight and legislative action on nutrition assistance programs.
Food security research has been cited in Federal Register notices for proposed rules on Child Nutrition Programs (meal patterns consistent with Dietary Guidelines), SNAP work requirements (Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023), and Community Eligibility Provision expansion. These citations demonstrate the research's direct role in shaping federal nutrition program regulations.
Research Cited in Congressional Testimony by Leading Experts
Food security research has been cited in congressional testimony by experts from the Brookings Institution, Northwestern University, American Enterprise Institute, Harvard Law School, Syracuse University, and advocacy organizations including MAZON and Feeding America. Topics range from SNAP effectiveness and child nutrition reauthorization to veteran hunger and military family food security.
Committees: House Agriculture, House Veterans' Affairs, House Rules, Senate Agriculture
Served on the Report Writing Committee for the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics (2015–2018), conducting original analysis on child food security for the flagship interagency report. This report, produced by 22 federal agencies, provides Congress and the public with comprehensive data on child welfare including food security indicators.
The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Health Equity cited "Food Insecurity Among Working-Age Veterans" in their report on ensuring food security among veterans, using the research to guide VA initiatives to screen for and address food insecurity among veteran patients.
The Joint Economic Committee of Congress cited food security research in the 2023 Joint Economic Report accompanying the Economic Report of the President, using food insecurity data to assess economic conditions and inform congressional economic policy deliberations.
In-depth feature on the implications of discontinuing the Household Food Security report, citing data showing 47 million Americans lived in food-insecure households.
Policy brief acknowledging Rabbitt's expert review and feedback on research addressing food insecurity in military communities and veteran populations.
State-level analysis from the annual report, with lead author Matthew Rabbitt presenting findings during a USDA webinar on regional variations in food insecurity.
Coverage of Arkansas's 18.9% food insecurity rate, with Rabbitt noting the increase was primarily driven by low food insecurity rather than very low food insecurity.
"Food security is conceptualized as a continuum that captures increasing levels of the severity of food insecurity," Rabbitt explained in detailing measurement methodology.
"Nearly all types of households saw food insecurity increase between 2021 and 2022, said Matthew Rabbitt, an economist with the USDA's Economic Research Service."
Coverage of the USDA's annual Household Food Security report, co-authored by Rabbitt, documenting the increase of 10.3 million Americans living in food-insecure households.
Coverage noting statistically significant increases in food insecurity across multiple categories, with Agriculture Secretary Vilsack calling the survey results "unacceptable."
In-depth coverage of the USDA report findings, noting 17 million households faced food insecurity including 1 million more with children compared to 2021.
"One in three active duty soldiers are classified as 'marginally food insecure,'" based on Rabbitt's research examining food hardship among service members and their families.
"The mental health of our service members is key... addressing food insecurity may be one way to address [mental health issues]," said Matthew Rabbitt.
"Food insecurity means that a person is lacking the economic means to access enough food," said Dr. Matthew Rabbitt, explaining research findings on soldier food security.
NPR coverage of the USDA's decision to end the Household Food Security Report, citing 2023 data showing 47.4 million Americans in food-insecure households including nearly 14 million children.
Leading anti-hunger advocacy organization's analysis of the 2023 Household Food Security Report, noting 47.4 million people in food-insecure households—an increase of 3.2 million from 2022.
CSIS policy analysis on the significance of the Household Food Security Report termination, citing the 2024 data showing 13.7% food insecurity—the highest in nearly a decade.
Columbia
2025
Columbia University Center on Poverty & Social Policy
Academic research paper building predictive models based on historical USDA food security data (Rabbitt et al.) to estimate future food insecurity rates when official collection ends.
Coverage of the USDA's decision to end the annual Household Food Security Report, which documented rising food insecurity from 10.2% in 2021 to 13.5% in 2023.
Research brief citing USDA food security methodology and Rabbitt et al. reports to analyze trends in food affordability challenges across demographic groups.
Programs
Research programs and software tools will be available here soon.
Check back for Stata commands, replication code, and other resources related to food security measurement and policy evaluation.
Teaching
Johns Hopkins University
Fall 2017
Econometrics
Master's Level — Instructor of Record
This course focuses on the application of statistical methods for the testing and estimation of economic relationships. Topics include classical least squares, serial correlation, heteroscedasticity, multicollinearity, models with lagged variables, instrumental variables, and two-stage least squares.
UNC Greensboro
Fall 2011
Health Economics
Junior/Senior Field Course — Instructor of Record
Examination of supply and demand for health care, medical malpractice, health insurance, government provision of health care, international comparisons and health care reform.
UNC Greensboro
2009–2011
Teaching Assistant
Various Courses
Principles of Macroeconomics, Economics/Business Statistics (Online), and Data Methods in Economics (Master's Level).
Research Inquiries: I welcome questions about my research on food security measurement, SNAP program evaluation, or methodological approaches. I'm also happy to discuss potential collaborations with academic researchers and policy analysts.
