FOOD INSECURITY
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health status as “fair” or “poor.” Studies reveal children who en-
counter food insecurity have higher rates of hospital admissions
than children from food-secure homes. 3,6 Long term consequences
may include increased rates of chronic health conditions, such as
Type 2 Diabetes and dyslipidemia amongst those who were food
insecure as children. 5 However, health impacts of food insecurity
and malnutrition extend well beyond the above implications for
children’s physical health.
Food insecurity has wide ranging effects on the mental health
of affected children. Preschoolers and school age children from
food-insecure homes have increased
rates of ADHD, anxiety and depres-
sion as well as aggressive behaviors. 7-9
Adolescents’ mental health is particu-
larly impacted by food insecurity, with
increased rates of anxiety, dysthymia
and depression, as well as increased
rates of both suicidal ideation and sui-
cide attempts among teens with food
insecurity. 10,11
Across the US, the federally funded programs WIC and SNAP are
available to low-income families for consistent provision of funds to
feed families and children to help mitigate the above listed effects.
WIC provides nutritional counseling and funds for healthy foods to
supplement low income families with children under the age of five,
a pregnant or breastfeeding mother or non-breastfeeding women
up to six months postpartum. SNAP, also known as the program
responsible for distributing food stamps, provides funds for eligible
LOUISVILLE MEDICINE
During the school year, many children rely on free and reduced
school lunch and breakfast to counter hunger which, in turn, en-
hances their focus on learning. Through the Community Eligibility
Program, certain schools in high poverty areas are able to offer free
breakfast and lunch to all students. If children do not attend one
of these schools, parents can apply on the Jefferson County Public
Schools (JCPS) website or in person for free or reduced lunch based
on family income and size.
"Physicians have the
responsibility to help
ensure no child in
the US goes hungry,
both in our clinics and
through advocacy, to
support programs that
have clear impacts on
the long-term health
of children as they
grow."
Lack of consistent access to nu-
tritious foods impacts academic and
developmental outcomes. Cognitive
growth and school performance
can be affected by even intermittent
under-nutrition and children from
food-insecure homes are more like-
ly to repeat a grade and have lower
IQs. 8,9,12 Winicki et al showed that a
positive screen for food insecurity was
correlated with a decrease in math
scores . 13 Additionally, teachers report
that food-insecure preschoolers have
poorer self-control and interpersonal
skills. 14 Finally, researchers have found
food insecurity can result in impair-
ments in fine and gross motor skills, language development, social
development, impulse control and the ability to self regulate. 1,15
16
foods to low-income individuals and families. The amount given is
determined by household size and income. However, even with this
assistance, it can still be very difficult to feed a family if caregivers
are unemployed or underemployed. 16
It is known that some children only
have access to regular meals while at
school; therefore, JCPS provides Sum-
mer Meal Sites, via the USDA Summer
Food Service Program, where all chil-
dren under age 18 can get nutritious,
free meals throughout the summer.
A list of the locations of the bus cafés
and open school cafeterias can also be
found on the JCPS website.
These federally-funded programs
do a great job meeting much of the
need, but local community agencies
help to fill the gap and ensure that
children and families have consistent
access to food, a few of which are high-
lighted below.
Dare to Care is a major local or-
ganization that coordinates collection
and distribution of food to over 300
local service agencies that then help
distribute food directly to those in
need. Last year they served over 19.9
million meals in the Louisville area.
Children and their families can be
served at the local food banks, but there are also several programs
that cater directly to ensuring children don’t go hungry. Dare to Care
sends at-risk elementary school kids home with backpacks full of
food on Fridays to guarantee children have food options over the
weekend. Their Kids Cafes provide hot meals to children attending
after-school programs.
Dare to Care has a new pilot program called the Prescriptive
Pantry, where they place food pantries directly in medical clinics
that serve low income patients. These pantries intentionally offer
nutritious foods, such as canned vegetables and fruits, lean proteins,