Exploring the Gap: Food Insecurity and Resource Engagement

摘要: Abstract Background Pediatric health care institutions are increasingly implementing food insecurity (FI) screens, but there is limited information about participant interest in referral and engagement with resources provided. Methods In this descriptive cross-sectional study, we recruited participants from a consecutive sample of adult caregivers arriving pediatric patients the emergency department at an urban, freestanding children's hospital. Caregivers completed validated, 2-question screen for FI. All received list access resources. Direct to partnered community resource agency was offered those who screened positive FI; that phone call provision within 2 weeks. Results Among 1818 recruited, 20.6% (375) FI, consistent area's reported child FI rate. Of positive, 54.9% (206) opted receive direct-referral via agency, 35.9% (74) these were reached by phone. About 31.1% (23) contacted no longer interested referrals, 10.8% (8) signed up Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, 59.5% (44) referred local pantries. Conclusions Through hospital-community partnership initial attempt offer elicited considerable among families connection agencies. However, substantial gap between acceptance ultimate stemming major sources: inability re-contact loss after contact.