In an opinion-editorial in The Providence Journal, Marcy Reyes, Market Strategy and Planning Director for CCA Health Rhode Island, discusses the increase in Rhode Island residents who sought food assistance last year and how the healthcare community can help address this issue.
According to the 2023 Rhode Island Hunger Survey, 72% of households that utilized food pantries last year included children and seniors, and approximately 50% of Black and Latinx households in Rhode Island experienced food insecurity, as compared to 29% of the overall population.
“Food insecurity can be both visible and invisible, and that is why health care organizations can play a pivotal role in minimizing the impact. Health care organizations across the state have an opportunity to make a difference by focusing on holistic, community-focused care that helps identify and support traditionally hard-to-reach individuals, including those with limited health literacy and social supports and those with language barriers.”