According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap, 1 in 9 people in southwestern Wisconsin struggles with hunger. For children, the rate is 1 in 6.
Research shows that food insecurity can have serious health effects across the lifespan.
Children in food insecure households are more likely to have:
- Poor overall health
- Frequent stomachaches and headaches
- Psychosocial & behavior problems
- Worse developmental outcomes
- More chronic illness
- Higher levels of iron deficiency with anemia
Food insecure adults and seniors are more likely to suffer from:
- Poorer nutrient intake
- Malnutrition ranging from mild to severe
- Heart attack & congestive heart failure
- Hypertension
- Depression
- Lowered immune function
- Dizziness/falls
- Poor overall health
What if instead of immediately reaching for a prescription pad, health care professionals considered food insecurity as a cause of these symptoms? The cure could be as simple as connecting families with emergency food assistance and programs. These services can help provide nutritious foods that are needed to lead healthy and active lives.
The HungerCare Coalition is a program of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin that is committed to educating healthcare professionals on the signs of hunger and giving them the tools necessary to empower their patients to make nutritious food choices, leading to better long-term health.
To learn more about the HungerCare Coalition and the importance of screening and connecting patients with needed food resources, watch our promotional video:
About Us
Screening Tools
Learn more about how you can screen your patients for food insecurity and connect them with needed resources.
Screening Tools ›
Food Resources
Learn more about the food resources in your area with a printable resource list.