1.4 Vulnerable Populations

Food insecurity affects millions in the US, increasing risks of chronic diseases and mental health issues. It leads to poorer diet quality, higher obesity rates, and tough choices between food and other necessities. Addressing this problem is crucial for public health.

Strategies to promote food security include screening in healthcare settings, connecting people to assistance programs, and supporting community initiatives. Addressing social determinants like income, education, and neighborhood environment is key to improving nutritional status and achieving health equity.

Vulnerable Populations and Nutrition

Impact of food insecurity on health

Top images from around the web for Impact of food insecurity on health

• 

  Fact Sheets – PROOF View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  US Food Insecurity | A new report has shown that a record hi… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Foodista | An Interesting Infographic On Food And Mental Health View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Fact Sheets – PROOF View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  US Food Insecurity | A new report has shown that a record hi… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Impact of food insecurity on health

• 

  Fact Sheets – PROOF View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  US Food Insecurity | A new report has shown that a record hi… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Foodista | An Interesting Infographic On Food And Mental Health View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Fact Sheets – PROOF View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  US Food Insecurity | A new report has shown that a record hi… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Food insecurity is the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life affects millions of households in the United States
• Increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease due to food insecurity
• Poorer mental health outcomes including depression, anxiety, and stress associated with food insecurity
• Decreased nutrient intake and diet quality resulting from food insecurity
• Higher rates of obesity and overweight linked to food insecurity
• Reliance on less expensive, calorie-dense foods like processed foods, fast food, and fewer fruits and vegetables due to food insecurity
• Reduced variety in diet as a consequence of food insecurity
• Skipping meals or reducing portion sizes to cope with food insecurity
• Choosing between food and other necessities such as medication, housing, and utilities due to limited resources

Strategies for promoting food security

• Screening for food insecurity in healthcare settings using tools like the Hunger Vital Sign and incorporating screening into routine care
• Connecting patients to food assistance programs such as SNAP, WIC, school meal programs, and food banks and pantries
• Promoting community-based interventions including community gardens, farmers markets accepting SNAP benefits, and mobile markets and grocery stores in underserved areas
• Advocating for policies that address food insecurity by increasing funding for food assistance programs, supporting living wages and affordable housing, and investing in local food systems and infrastructure
• Supporting initiatives that promote food sovereignty and community control over food systems

Social determinants of nutritional status

• Income and socioeconomic status: limited financial resources impact access to healthy food and poverty is a major risk factor for food insecurity
• Education: lower educational attainment associated with poorer diet quality and limited nutrition knowledge and food preparation skills
• Neighborhood and built environment: food deserts are areas with limited access to affordable, healthy food, lack of transportation to grocery stores, and concentration of fast food outlets and convenience stores
• Social support networks: lack of social support can hinder access to food resources and social isolation and loneliness can impact eating behaviors
• Access to healthcare: limited access to preventive care and nutrition counseling and unmanaged chronic conditions can affect nutritional status
• Racism and discrimination: structural racism contributes to health disparities and discrimination can impact access to resources and opportunities

Health Equity and Social Justice in Nutrition

• Health equity aims to eliminate disparities in nutritional status and health outcomes among different populations
• Social justice in nutrition involves addressing systemic inequalities that contribute to food insecurity and poor nutrition
• Intersectionality recognizes how multiple social identities (e.g., race, gender, class) interact to influence nutritional vulnerabilities
• Improving health literacy is crucial for empowering individuals to make informed decisions about nutrition and health
• Cultural competence in nutrition education and interventions is essential for effectively reaching diverse populations