4 unique ways hospitals are helping the food-insecure

Adults with low food security are far more likely to suffer from five common chronic diseases than those from homes that are food secure, a 2017 survey by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (USDA ERS) found. In fact, the risk of hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, asthma and COPD increases 4.3%-11.2% among food-insecure adults. Another recent study found that subsidized diets could save the U.S. more than $100 billion in healthcare costs. Doctors, insurance companies and hospitals are taking note—and doing something about it. Here’s an example of four recent programs created to help improve patient outcomes with food.Photograph courtesy of Baptist Health Homestead Hospital