Health care groups can counter food insecurity

The COVID-19 pandemic created a perfect storm for food insecurity across the U.S., and in the aftermath our vulnerable communities continue to struggle. According to the 2023 Rhode Island Hunger Survey, a record number of residents sought food assistance last year, in part due to higher food and housing costs.

Some 72% of households utilizing food pantries last year included children and seniors, and about 50% of Black and Latinx households in Rhode Island experienced food insecurity, as compared to 29% of the overall population. While these numbers are concerning, Rhode Island’s community-minded health care ecosystem can make a positive impact and help establish the Ocean State as a national leader in addressing the food insecurity crisis.

Good nutrition is a fundamental building block of health, and we know that when people do not get enough to eat, it has an amplifying effect on all aspects of their physical and mental well-being. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that food insecurity is correlated with higher rates of chronic diseases, long-term behavioral and mental health issues, and even obesity.

When a lack of affordable, healthy food is accompanied by limited access to other social supports, the impact is even greater. For example, without access to reliable transportation, many Rhode Islanders who live in “food deserts” are unable to purchase quality food from grocery stores. Without stable housing or utilities, it can be impossible to prepare full, nutritious meals.

Without regular, affordable health care, those with chronic conditions may have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, let alone finding the energy to prepare a healthy meal at home. Additionally, without education and information on the community resources available to them, it can be harder for people to take full advantage of initiatives that could help break these cycles.

Food insecurity can also impact the health care system in surprising ways. Last year, our clinical team connected with a Medicare member who was visiting the emergency department nearly every month. On paper, it seemed as if this individual had unmanaged chronic conditions. After meeting with him to develop a care plan and establish a longerterm, trusting relationship, our team eventually learned that he was visiting the emergency department because he knew he could always get a warm meal. Because of limited health care literacy and support at home, this individual did not realize he had other options for reliable food sources.

Food insecurity can be both visible and invisible, and that is why health care organizations can play a pivotal role in minimizing the impact. The CCA Health Rhode Island team works with people oneon-one to understand their unique medical, mental health and social needs — helping to bridge the gap and connect each person to the support they need. Health care organizations across the state have an opportunity to make a difference by focusing on holistic, community-focused care that helps identify and support traditionally hard-to-reach individuals, including those with limited health literacy and social supports and those with language barriers.

As an industry, we are also in a unique position to develop strategic partnerships that can drive greater integration between social support services. For instance, at CCA Health Rhode Island, we’ve partnered with proven, community-based initiatives like the Meals on Wheels “Capital City Café” program, the Rhode Island Public Health Institute’s “Food on the Move” program, and the Nourish Rhode Island coalition’s “Eat Well, Be Well Rewards Program.” By developing these partnerships, we can break down silos between the various social support programs and expand access to nutritious, culturally competent food that meets the needs of our most vulnerable communities.

Food insecurity is a national problem with local solutions. While Rhode Island has more work to do, we believe we have all the ingredients to succeed.

Marcy Reyes is director of market strategy and planning, CCA Health Rhode Island.