Feeding the Gap: Screening for Food Insecurity and Linking Families to WIC Support.

ABSTRACT: In response to persistently low enrollment in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) across Tennessee, the WIC Champions group conducted a statewide survey to evaluate healthcare providers' practices and barriers in screening for food insecurity and referring patients to WIC. The survey, conducted from November 2023 to February 2024, included 70 diverse healthcare professionals across 28 Tennessee counties. Findings revealed that 88% of providers screen for food insecurity and 95% believe it is vital to patient health. However, only 67% felt familiar with local resources for referrals, and significant barriers including limited staff, time, and resource availability were reported. Despite 90% of respondents being familiar with WIC, only 39% made d

SUBMITTER: Hunter R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12576230 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature