Food insecurity and allergic diseases: A call to collective action - 05/02/24

Doi : 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.10.019

Stacie M. Jones, MD ^a,^b,^⁎ , Sara Anvari, MD, MS ^c, Amaziah Coleman, MD ^d, Robert D. Pesek, MD ^a,^b, Kirsten M. Kloepfer, MD, MS ^e, Tamara T. Perry, MD ^a,^b, Akilah A. Jefferson, MD, MSc ^a,^b, Dieu Doan, MD ^a,^b, Aline Andres, PhD ^a,^f, Marcy Doderer, FACHE ^b,^g, Ashlie Hilbun, EdD, FACHE ^b,^g, Ryan Solomon, JD, MPS ^b,^g, Amy M. Scurlock, MD ^a,^b
^a University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Ark
^b Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, Ark
^c Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Tex
^d National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Md
^e Indiana University School of Medicine and Riley Children’s Hospital at IU Health, Indianapolis, Ind
^f Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, Little Rock, Ark
^g Arkansas Children’s Health System, Little Rock, Ark

^∗Corresponding author: Stacie M. Jones, MD, #13 Children’s Way, Slot 512-13, Little Rock, AR 72202.#13 Children’s WaySlot 512-13Little RockAR72202

Abstract

Food security encompassess the concept of access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life. Conversely, food insecurity (FI) refers to household-level economic and social conditions of limited or uncertain access to adequate food. FI is a key social determinant of health that can negatively affect nutrition and health outcomes, as it is estimated that 10.2% of the US population meets criteria for FI. Recognizing the impact of FI on our patients and families is critical to promote health equity and optimize health outcomes. This review focuses on FI and allergic disease from the perspective of key multisector stakeholders within the field of allergy and immunology as well as from the larger health care arena, highlighting key resources and initiatives important to patients. Collectively, as specialists in allergy and immunology, and within the medical field more broadly, we must leverage our unique roles as we interface with patients and families and serve as committed advocates for change. Developing innovative strategies to promote health equity can provide a pathway forward for all children, adults, and families to gain access to healthy, nutritious food as part of their routine lifestyle. This is a call to action.

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Key words : Food insecurity, allergy, asthma, food allergy, eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease, health disparities, health equity

Abbreviations used : A/I, EGID, EoE, FARE, FI, LILA, NHANES, NIH ICs, NIH, SDOH, SNAP, USDA, WIC