- 1 in 6 US children live in a food-insecure household
- Childhood food insecurity can lead to poor health status, mental health problems, and poor educational outcomes
- Help is available for your family or patients – find resources using the links and information here
What is food insecurity? Food insecurity means not having adequate or consistent access to nutrition needed to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. This means children may be missing meals or not receiving enough nutrition – which can lead to hunger or a higher risk of obesity. What that looks like on a day to day basis is a child not knowing if they will have a dinner available at night, or hungry on the weekends when they lose access to school breakfasts and lunches.
Resources For Families
- Find a local resource for immediate help here
- Download a handout from the Ohio AAP on Food Emergencies here
- Find and apply for long-term resources at these links:
- WIC – Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
- SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/Ohio Food Assistance Program
- Summer Food Service Site Finder
- Children’s Hunger Alliance – resources for families in need of food assistance and child care
- Summer Food Service Programs in all 88 Ohio counties
Resources For Pediatricians
- Download the Food Research and Action Center Toolkit for Pediatricians
- AAP Policy Statements
- Resources from Ohio Public Libraries
- Resources from the Ohio Department of Education
- Get involved with the Ohio AAP’s Food Insecurity work or ask questions by contacting Hayley Southworth at hsouthworth@ohioaap.org or 614-846-6258