Food Link: A Partnership Providing Healthy Foods to Food Insecure Patients.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Defined as an economic and social condition characterized by uncertain access to adequate food, food insecurity (FI) is associated with negative health outcomes and higher health care costs. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article is to discuss the implementation and results of Food Link, a population-based FI program serving vulnerable populations in Birmingham, Alabama. METHODS: Academic, clinical, and community partners implemented Food Link in two free clinics serving patients with diabetes and heart failure. Patients identified as FI using the Hunger Vital Signs Screener receive dry goods and produce, food pantry referrals and benefits education. RESULTS: During the first 18 months of Food Link, more than one-half of the patients (n = 466) screened as FI and received food, with a total of 1,179 food distributions. CONCLUSIONS: Academic, clinical, and community partners working together can help meet the FI needs of vulnerable populations with the goal of improving health and decreasing costs.