"I Had to Change the Way I Ate": Food Insecurity and Chronic Illness
Sameena Azhar1, David Cepeda2, John Weed3
1Fordham University, Graduate School of Social Service, New York, USA.
Summary
Food insecurity disproportionately affects South Bronx residents with chronic illnesses. Improving food assistance programs and integrating them with healthcare is crucial for better health outcomes and food access.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Food insecurity is a significant public health issue in the South Bronx.
- One-third of Bronx residents utilize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- This study focuses on food pantry recipients managing chronic illness and food insecurity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the lived experiences of food pantry recipients in the South Bronx.
- To understand how food insecurity and chronic illness impact dietary patterns.
- To identify improvements for food assistance programs.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving 37 adult residents of the South Bronx.
- Interviews focused on experiences accessing food assistance.
- Exploration of dietary pattern changes due to food insecurity and chronic illness.
Main Results:
- Participants reported diverse chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, etc.).
- Food assistance could be better structured to meet financial and health needs.
- Insights provided on the intersection of food access, chronic illness, and financial constraints.
Conclusions:
- Connecting residents to both food assistance and healthcare is vital.
- Prioritizing local public funds for food access for those with chronic illness is essential.
- Findings are relevant for the South Bronx and New York City's food security initiatives.
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