"It's really about those social determinants of health that drive it": Addressing food insecurity in rural veterans

BACKGROUND: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employs numerous strategies to address food insecurity among rural veterans. This manuscript discusses findings from a quality improvement project examining factors impacting food insecurity among rural veterans. 

METHODS: Qualitative interviews were conducted with VA expert informants (n = 30) who worked in national program offices addressing veteran food insecurity, site visit participants (n = 57) at three VA Medical Centers (VAMCs), and rural veterans who screened positive for food insecurity at the VAMC sites (n = 10). Interviews were analyzed with analysis matrices. 

RESULTS: Current VA programming includes a national food insecurity screening initiative and connecting veterans with local community resources. Veteran participants provided suggestions for addressing veteran food insecurity, including outreach and education. In addition, these interviews demonstrate that rural veteran food insecurity is intrinsically interwoven with other social determinants of health. 

CONCLUSIONS: Addressing rural veteran food insecurity must include strategies for understanding and supporting interconnected veteran needs.