Health clinics – a line of defense to keep hunger away

September 26, 2017 – Since its implementation in 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has increased health care access for thousands of low-income families and individuals. In addition, the ACA has helped health care providers look at health care differently, focusing on preventative approaches. The Center for Disease Prevention says that 85% of current health care costs can be attributed to chronic disease, almost all of which is diet-related. Food insecurity and poor nutrition can imitate other health conditions or be masked by disease. As a result, Oregon Food Bank began working with health care practitioners across the state to screen patients for food insecurity and connect them to new resources.

With just two simple questions added to the intake progress, medical clinics are able to determine who may be at risk of not having enough to eat. In many cases, patients feel more comfortable talking with a nurse or doctor than family or friends, especially if it’s in reference to health. If patients screen positive for food insecurity (prolonged lack of access to affordable and nutritious food), with the help of on-site navigators, patients can apply for SNAP (food stamps), locate their neighborhood pantry or be connected to budget cooking or gardening classes.

Additionally, many clinics and hospitals want to do more after they see the extent of food insecurity among their patients. Working with Oregon Food Bank and other local partners, many clinics are hosting produce distributions, implementing Veggie Rx programs, planting gardens in front of their buildings yard and coordinating cooking classes in their kitchens. Health systems are catching on that this type of investment is in their own and their patients’ best interests.