Food insecurity is a significant public health problem. Family members in food-insecure households are more likely to report poorer health and depressive symptoms and have higher risks for chronic diseases like obesity, hypertension and diabetes. Food insecure patients managing chronic diseases like diabetes are also more likely to lack the knowledge of or access to healthy foods (e.g. elevated HbA1c levels), potentially leading to poorer health outcomes.

The Partners in Health Program (PIH) is an innovative partnership between ETFB and local healthcare providers. PIH draws on research and guidance from Feeding America. The program operates by using a unique electronic self-referral platform provided by PIH on either iPad or QR code.

The purpose of this program is to combine screening for food security in healthcare settings and referrals to food resources such as:

• local food pantries (immediate food assistance)
• benefits enrollment assistance (SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, etc.)
• nutrition education (combining education with access to healthy foods)

The desired outcomes of the program include: reducing health disparities and hunger, preventing chronic disease, and increasing the likelihood of making healthy food choices on a budget.

Is your clinic interested in finding out more information about this project? Complete a Partners in Health Interest Form.