Framing Food Poverty in Germany: Media Portrayals, Social Inclusion, and the Impact on Public Perception (2018-2024)

Food poverty and insecurity are growing concerns across many high-income countries, including Germany, where 3.5% of the population was affected in 2022, according to FAO estimates. This study examines how German media portrays food poverty and its implications for social inclusion and exclusion. Using a corpus of 406 articles from 2018 to 2024, this framing analysis identifies the dominant frames in media discourse and explores the rhetorical strategies used to depict those affected.

Drawing on Foucault’s discourse theory and Entman’s framing theory, the research addresses two key questions: How is food poverty framed in German media, and how do these frames express social inclusion or exclusion? A qualitative and quantitative frame analysis was conducted using MaxQDA Analytics Pro software, identifying three key frames: (1) food poverty as a result of material poverty, (2) food poverty as a political issue, and (3) food poverty as a multifaceted challenge. These frames highlight a range of causes, from inflation and low income to political inaction and structural inequalities, with varying proposed solutions.

A subsequent linguistic analysis reveals how these frames shape public perceptions of those affected by food poverty. While some media portray individuals as resilient and part of the broader society, others reinforce stereotypes of helplessness, creating social divides. Notably, the inclusion of direct quotes from affected individuals humanizes their experiences, fostering solidarity and reducing stigma.

The findings underscore the importance of inclusive media representations in shaping public and political responses to food poverty. By critically engaging with media discourse, this study highlights the role of journalism in promoting social cohesion and equitable policy solutions to address the complexities of food poverty in Germany.