Judi BartfeldProfessor of Consumer Science | Division of Extension Faculty Liaison

I study the problems of hunger and food insecurity in the United States, including patterns, causes, consequences, and solutions, with a particular interest in the role of food assistance programs and policies. I also have an appointment with UW–Madison Division of Extension, where I work to make food security data and research available, understandable, and actionable to non-academics.

My work has generated significant investments to support local, state, and national research in the areas of food insecurity and food assistance programs. I also collaborate on grants that support my research on child support, child placement, and the economic well-being of divorced parents. Over the years, I have published numerous peer-reviewed articles as well as dozens of local and state policy reports on these topics. My past leadership of the RIDGE program helped to cultivate a nationwide network of junior scholars in the food security area, and was recognized with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary’s Honor Award (2014).

Selected Publications

Bartfeld, J., Berger, L., & Men, F. (2020). Universal access to free school meals through the Community Eligibility Provision is associated with better attendance for low-income elementary school students in Wisconsin. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120(2), 210-218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2019.07.022

Bartfeld, J., Berger, L., Men, F., & Chen, Y. (2019). Access to the School Breakfast Program is associated with higher attendance and test scores among elementary school students. Journal of Nutrition, 149(2), 336-343. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxy267

Bartfeld, J., & Men, F. (2017). Food insecurity among households with children: The role of the state economic and policy context. Social Service Review, 91(4), 691-732. https://doi.org/10.1086/695328

Bartfeld, J., & Collins, J.M. (2017). Food insecurity, financial shocks, and financial coping strategies among households with elementary school children in Wisconsin. Journal of Consumer Affairs, 51(3), 519-548. https://doi.org/10.1111/joca.12162

Bartfeld, J., Gundersen, C., Smeeding, T., & Ziliak, J. (Eds.). (2015). SNAP Matters: How Food Stamps Affect Health and Well-Being. Stanford University Press. https://www.sup.org/books/title/?id=24621

For a full list of publications, see Bartfeld’s CV.