Pilot Program to Assess and Address Food Insecurity at a Student-Run Free Clinic in Southeastern Virginia

Food insecurity (FI) has numerous adverse effects on health. Patients who attend student-run free clinics (SRFC) are at high risk for FI, but screenings and interventions are rare. This project measured FI and resource utilization among patients at a SRFC and piloted an intervention. We collected data from patients (N=139, 93% response rate) via 17-item self-report survey from which we generated a tailored resource booklet, and called patients after 5 weeks to assess resource utilization. Seventy-four percent of patients had FI, yet only 40% reported using any type of food assistance resource in the past 12 months. Chi-square analyses found significant differences between patients based on language-preference and FI status. Initial interest in the resource booklet was high, but on follow up (N=57, 69% response rate) booklet utilization was low due to logistical barriers, confusion, and problems accessing the resources. Our results demonstrate that patients experience FI in tandem with barriers to resource access and other social needs.