Q&A: Resources for helping patients experiencing food insecurity

Q: We're seeing more patients who are affected by food insecurity. Can you point us toward resources for how to help these patients?

A: The AARP estimates that older adults experiencing food insecurity are 50% more likely to have diabetes and 60% more likely to experience congestive heart failure.Many hospitals, health organizations, and accountable care organizations (ACO) have already begun programs to address food insecurity—taking numerous approaches, including setting up partnerships with food banks and opening food pantries. These programs target people of all ages, from infants to elderly.

If your organization is looking to start a program, there are numerous resources that can help, she says, including the following:

• Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.org/research/senior-hunger-research/senior
• National Council on Aging: https://www.ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/senior-hunger-facts
• Food Research and Action Center: https://www.frac.org/maps/seniors/seniors.html
• Meals on Wheels: https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/find-meals
• USDA site on nutrition programs for seniors: https://www.nutrition.gov/food-assistance-programs/nutrition-programs-seniors
• Medicare Advantage’s Senior Hunger webpage: https://www.medicareadvantage.com/senior-hunger-in-america

For more information, see Case Management Monthly.