This article discussed the effect of food insecurity (i.e., problems paying for food) on health. Nearly one in three U.S. adults with a chronic disease has problems paying for food, medicine, or both. The article described my experiences as a primary care doctor caring for these patients. It also described the food served at many soup kitchens, which often is starchy and sugary and low in vegetables and fruits. I described the experiences of a diabetic who relies on soup kitchens for his meals as well as the experiences of a nurse practitioner who works with homeless people who have chronic diseases such as diabetes. The article provided an overview of research findings on food insecurity and health and the role of food stamps on food insecurity. It concluded by discussing possible ways health care workers could address the problem in light of recent cuts to the food stamp program.
