Food insecurity advocacy for pediatric surgeons

Abstract

Food insecurity is the limited availability of nutritionally adequate foods. It affects 9 % of households where children live. Food insecurity can lead to multiple health problems throughout the lifespan of a child. Many hospital systems have undertaken initiatives to increase the intake of nutritious foods to prevent and alleviate these health problems. Additionally, there are federal programs such as SNAP, WIC and NSLP that work to lessen food insecurity in children. Pediatric surgeons should screen their patients for food insecurity. They should partner with their health system to create programs that alleviate food insecurity in patients. Finally, pediatric surgeons should advocate for policy changes to reduce the incidence of food insecurity.

Keywords: Advocacy; Food Insecurity; Pediatric surgeons; Policy; School lunch.