Food insecurity remains a critical issue in coastal fishing communities, where reliance on natural resources and environmental uncertainty increases vulnerability. This study examines the impact of income levels and climate change adaptation strategies on food insecurity among fisherman households in Pati District, Central Java, Indonesia. It addresses the limited understanding of how socio-economic and adaptive factors interact to shape food access within marine-based livelihoods. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving 60 purposively selected households. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) and ordinal logistic regression, while qualitative interviews provided additional contextual insights. The findings reveal that 76.67% of households were food secure, 20% experienced moderate food insecurity, and 3.33% were severely food insecure. Key determinants of food insecurity included household status, participation in training or counselling, awareness of environmental changes, and access to non-fishing income. Notably, households with supplementary income sources were 91% less likely to experience food insecurity, underscoring the importance of livelihood diversification. In contrast, household size and years of fishing experience were not statistically significant, suggesting that socio-economic and institutional factors are more influential than traditional demographic variables. The study concludes that strengthening adaptive capacity through training and promoting alternative income opportunities is a critical strategy for reducing food insecurity in vulnerable coastal communities. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to enhance climate resilience and promote sustainable food systems in Indonesia’s coastal regions.