A "Smart" Way of Addressing Food Insecurity in the Digital Age

Phan et al cite that one in six American families experience food insecurity (FI), an inadequate access to food because of a lack of money or other resources. As pediatricians, we must identify and appropriately respond to FI. Although screening can help identify some children with FI, others may pr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pediatrics (Evanston) 2018-07, Vol.142 (1), p.1
Main Authors: Phan, Michelle, Hickey, Erin, Beck, Andrew F, Klein, Melissa D, Real, Francis J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Children
Children & youth
Female
Food availability
Food security
Food Supply
Humans
Information technology
Partnerships
Pediatrics
Physician's Role
Physicians
Poverty
Social Welfare
Technology - methods
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Summary:Phan et al cite that one in six American families experience food insecurity (FI), an inadequate access to food because of a lack of money or other resources. As pediatricians, we must identify and appropriately respond to FI. Although screening can help identify some children with FI, others may present more insidiously, with developmental delays, behavioral problems, or frequent hospitalizations, the effects of which may carry into adulthood. Pediatric trainees, who are often on the frontline providing primary care to at-risk families, are in a unique position to identify and respond to the needs of families with FI. As pediatric faculty and trainees, we should challenge ourselves to think creatively and comprehensively regarding food availability and accessibility. We can leverage our fluency in technology and our training in community health to promote interdisciplinary partnerships and improve food security, nutrition, and health for all patients and families.
ISSN:0031-4005
1098-4275
DOI:10.1542/peds.2018-1336