FOOD AND RESOURCES

Food Insecurity: A Health Issue

By Jennifer Yoon RDN, LDN, IBCLC

Food Insecurity is the state of being without reliable access to a

sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. More than 15 million households nationwide live every day with hunger or food insecurity as their constant companion. According to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, food insecurity affects more than 350,000 people – or one in seven adults – in our region.

Food Insecurity exists not only due to financial constraints, but also food accessibility. A ‘food desert’ is defined as a general unavailability of healthful food at a reasonable price, and may exist in urban or rural areas. A ‘food mirage’ or ‘food swamp’ refers to an area where the available food is of low nutritional value. Much of the food available in these areas is high fat junk food with limited nutritional content.

Vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, ethnic minorities, and low-income households are disproportionately affected by food insecurity, despite the extensive private and public food safety net in the United States, according to a new report by RTI International. Food Insecurity results in poor diet quality which increases risk for obesity, chronic disease, and healthcare expenditures. In children, food insecurity has a negative impact on

growth and development, ability to learn, and future employability.

With so many proven negative outcomes, Food Insecurity goes beyond a social issue. It is a health issue. In October 2015, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a policy statement, recommending that pediatricians screen all children for food insecurity. Two simple questions, known as the Hunger Vital Signs, can identify children in need of services and change long-term health outcomes: > Within the past 12 months we worried whether our food would run out before we got money to buy more.” > Within the past 12 months the food we bought just didn’t last and we didn’t have money to get more.”

Food Insecurity results in poor diet quality which increases risk for obesity, chronic disease, and healthcare expenditures.

It is time we stop assuming that children in our communities have adequate access to food and resources. If one in seven adults in our region is struggling, we each provide care to several of their children each day. We must overcome the stigma and start the conversation about Food Insecurity.

With a growing body of evidence showing the profound effects of Food Insecurity on children’s long term growth, development, and ability to learn, more resources and are available to help families with healthy food for their family. Allegheny Health Network created the Healthy Food Center to make sure our patients have access to healthy foods and nutrition counseling to help manage their overall health, no matter their income or budget. The Healthy Food Center partners with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to provide healthy food choices to people in need. Healthy Food Centers are now open in three locations- West Penn Hospital, Allegheny General Hospital, and Jefferson Hospital. Website: www.ahn.org/services/medicine/center-for-inclusion-health/ healthy-food-center

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. This card can be used like a debit card to purchase eligible food in authorized retail food stores. Website: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/361, Phone: 1-800-221-5689

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk. Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic, Phone: Allegheny County (412) 350-5801, Washington County (724) 222-5405

South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) provides food, clothing, utility assistance, and services to people in need in Pittsburgh’s southern suburban neighborhoods. Food pantries are open twice monthly at 3 locations including seasonably available fresh produce from community gardens. Website: https://shimcares.org, Phone: (412) 854-9120

The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank feeds people in need in a variety of locations through multiple programs including Pop Up Foodshare, Produce to the People, Summer Food Programs, and Green Grocer. Assistance with SNAP applications and nutrition education are also provided. Website: https://www.pittsburghfoodbank.org, Phone: (412) 460-3663

Jennifer Yoon has a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition earned at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX. She spent 8 years as Director of Early Education at St. David’s and 10 years as a clinical dietician at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, TX before joining AHN Pediatrics St. Clair. Jennifer was born in Dallas, and currently lives in Bethel Park. She has three children ranging in age from 11 years to 24 years, and a dog named Boswell.