Addressing food insecurity in a pediatric weight management clinic: A pilot intervention

Introduction: Our objectives were to (a) identify rates of food insecurity among patients seen in a pediatric weight management clinic and (b) test a pilot intervention to address food insecurity in the identified patients.

Methods: All new patients seen in the clinic were screened for food insecurity and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit status. Families with food insecurity and no SNAP benefits were asked if they wanted SNAP enrollment assistance from a partnering food bank. Those agreeing to assistance were connected to the food bank.

Results: A total of 116 new patients were evaluated in the clinic during the intervention; 28 (24%) endorsed food insecurity, and 40 (34%) were eligible for SNAP enrollment assistance. Three (8%) of the eligible patients completed the SNAP enrollment process.

Discussion: Food insecurity in this pediatric weight management clinic was common. However, even when given direct access to SNAP enrollment assistance, only a small minority of patients matriculated into this program.