Community Health Concern/Issue
Community Health Concern/Priority Issue: Food Insecurity
Priority Population: Low-income individuals and families
Recent Community Report or Database:
- Household Food Security in the United States in 2022: Current Status Report (USDA, 2022)
Recent Scholarly Article:
- Food insecurity and its association with health outcomes: A systematic review (Pérez-Escamilla, Halcón, & López-Gómez, 2019)
Main Data/Information Related to the Community Health Concern
- Food insecurity is a serious public health issue affecting millions of Americans.
- In 2022, an estimated 10.5% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity at some point during the year, including 2.3% with very low food security.
- Food insecurity is disproportionately high among low-income individuals and families, racial and ethnic minorities, and households with children.
- Food insecurity is associated with a range of negative health outcomes, including chronic diseases, mental health problems, and poor child development.
Community Health Nurse Standard
- Standard 1: Assessment: Collect and analyze data to assess the health needs and resources of the community.
Evidence-Informed Community Health Nursing Interventions
- Community-based food pantries: Food pantries provide free or low-cost food to individuals and families in need.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income households.
- School breakfast and lunch programs: School breakfast and lunch programs provide free or reduced-price meals to children from low-income families.
Support Services in Community
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The Greater Chicago Food Depository: 4100 W. 31st Street, Chicago, IL 60623; Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Provides food assistance to individuals and families in need.
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The Salvation Army: 120 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 60605; Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Provides food assistance, shelter, and other social services to individuals and families in need.
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Catholic Charities of Chicago: 721 N. La Salle Street, Chicago, IL 60610; Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Provides food assistance, financial assistance, and other social services to individuals and families in need.