FOOD INSECURITY HURTS HEALTH

People in food insecure households often are forced to choose between food and medication, postpone preventive or needed medical care, or forgo the foods needed for special medical diets (e.g., diabetic diets). Research shows that, in general, one out of three chronically ill adults is unable to afford medicine, food, or both.  Such forced choices make disease worse and compromise health, leading to increased expensive physician visits, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations. Adults in food insecure households are more likely to have poor or fair health, reduced nutrient intake, be overweight, and have a lower quality of life. Children in food insecure households are more likely to have poor health, behavior problems, frequent stomachaches and headaches, and worse developmental outcomes.

 

Source: Food Research Action Council, 4/29/14, Food Insecurity