HungerCare Food & Nutrition Screening Algorithm: Identifying And Referring Food Insecure Patients.pdf

## HungerCare Food & Nutrition Screening Algorithm Summary

Purpose: Identify patients facing food insecurity, a lack of consistent access to enough nutritious food, which can significantly impact health across the lifespan.

Key Points for Providers:

USDA Definition: Food security means having access to enough food at all times for an active, healthy life for all household members.
Screening: Ask two validated USDA-approved questions to screen for food insecurity:
"Within the past 12 months, have you worried whether your food would run out before you got money to buy more?"
"Within the past 12 months, has the food you bought not lasted and you didn't have money to get more?"
Action: If a patient responds "often true" or "sometimes true" to either question, connect them with:
Local food resources (see resource list below)
A social worker for assistance in applying for eligible programs.

Consequences of Food Insecurity:

Children and adults experiencing food insecurity are at higher risk for:

Health Issues: Poor overall health, stomachaches, headaches, psychosocial problems, developmental delays, chronic illnesses.
Specific Conditions: Depression, lowered immune function, hypertension, heart attack, congestion heart failure, dizziness/falls.

Food Resources (Wisconsin):

2-1-1: Three-digit hotline for free and confidential information and referrals to resources like food pantries and meal sites.
FoodShare Helpline: Provides nutrition assistance through the SNAP program; screens for eligibility and offers personalized application help.
WIC (Women, Infants & Children): Supplemental nutrition program for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5; helps families buy specific foods for good health and supports breastfeeding.
Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs): Offer information on programs and services for seniors and people with disabilities, including senior meal sites, home-delivered meals, and financial assistance.

Provider Recommendations:

Screen all patients for food insecurity; don't assume adequate resources.
Approach screening sensitively; patients may be afraid to share concerns about food insecurity due to potential judgment or reporting.
Consider food insecurity when diagnosing and creating care plans; address its potential impact on patient health and adherence to treatment.
* Follow up with patients to ensure they receive the assistance they need.