BACKGROUND Household food insecurity (FI) and caregiver inpatient FI (ie, limited or uncertain access to adequate food during hospitalization) negatively affect children. We aimed to describe outcomes of a hospital-based intervention bundle for household/inpatient FI. METHODS A single-arm prospective clinical trial conducted at a large children’s hospital from March 2021 to March 2022 screened English- and Spanish-speaking caregivers. Caregivers with household and/or inpatient FI received the intervention bundle (complimentary hospital meals, active referral to a community-based organization CBO for assistance applying for public benefits and accessing food pantries). Two-week postdischarge follow-up calls were completed with caregivers enrolled in the intervention bundle, and the CBO provided 12-month post-referral outcomes. Statistical analysis described the intervention bundle feasibility (% participants who received interventions), acceptability (participant-rated comfort, helpfulness, and satisfaction), and referral outcomes. RESULTS Of 1000 enrolled caregivers (English-speaking, 75%, Spanish-speaking, 25%), 54% screened positive for household and/or inpatient FI (48% household FI and 46% inpatient FI). 70% of caregivers completed the 2-week follow-up, with median scores of 10/10 comfort with FI screening, 9/10 satisfaction with complimentary trays, and 10/10 satisfaction with CBO. Twelve-month follow-up data demonstrated that the CBO had successfully connected with 62% of referred caregivers. A total of 51% of those who connected applied for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and 86% of those who applied received SNAP benefits within 3 months. CONCLUSIONS FI was highly prevalent in caregivers of hospitalized children. Hospital-based interventions with a CBO successfully reached caregivers and was rated favorably. This work can inform intervention efforts as hospital FI screening programs grow.
López et al. (Mon,) studied this question.