Screening for Food Insecurity in Six Veterans Administration Clinics for the Homeless, June–December 2015
SPECIAL TOPIC — Volume 14 — January 12, 2017
PEER REVIEWED
The figure describes the flow of patients as they were screened for food insecurity in this pilot project. A total of 270 homeless or formerly homeless veterans were screened with 48.5% responding affirmatively to the question “In the past 3 months were there times when the food for you just did not last and there was no money to buy more?” Those with positive responses were asked 6 follow-up questions to which 43.5% answered that they had experienced hypoglycemia, and they were referred to the primary care provider or clinic nurse for medication review, dose adjustments, education, and case management; 52.7% reported that they did not receive food stamps and were referred to the social worker for assistance with the SNAP application and for information on locations of food pantries and soup kitchens; 87% reported they prepared at least some of their own meals, and 54.2% reported they bought at least some of the food they ate. These patients were referred to the nutritionist for counseling and education on food intake, meal preparation, and meal strategies. Abbreviations: SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Figure. Patient flow and screening results of screening program for food insecurity conducted in 6 Veterans Administration clinics, June–December 2015.
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