Community Resources Reduce Emergency Visits for Food-Insecure Children

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics highlights the positive impact of community intervention programs on children experiencing food insecurity. Conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine, the study found that a simple, low-intensity approach—referred to as CommunityRx-Hunger—can significantly reduce the need for emergency room visits among vulnerable children. This program involves providing caregivers with personalized lists of local resources such as food pantries, rental assistance, and transportation aid, along with automated reminders and support through texts and navigator follow-ups. Over three years, the study randomized 640 parents and primary caregivers of hospitalized children, regardless of their social risk status. The results showed that children with food-insecure parents who received the intervention experienced fewer emergency visits and hospital readmissions, translating into substantial healthcare cost savings.

This intervention achieved these outcomes with minimal staff effort, totaling only about 50 hours for the entire group, contrasting with more resource-intensive traditional social care strategies. The findings underscore that addressing social determinants like food insecurity through universal, technology-enabled programs can be an effective and scalable approach in healthcare settings. As the US moves toward less strict screening requirements for social risks in hospitals, such universally delivered programs become even more crucial. They not only improve health outcomes but also foster community-wide benefits by encouraging resource sharing among families.

The study emphasizes that social risks are dynamic, and interventions that are accessible to all families, regardless of screening results, can prevent critical needs from being overlooked. Implementing such programs on a broader scale could help keep children healthier, reduce caregiver stress, and decrease hospital crowding, ultimately supporting healthier communities.