Ep 36: Food insecurity programs with Alex Ashbrook, FRAC

In the latest episode of Off the Chart with Medical Economics, we feature an interview between Medical Economics Summer Intern Grace Koennecke and Alex Ashbrook, Director of WIC and Root Causes at the Food Research & Action Center. They’re discussing food insecurity and how physicians can help their patients overcome these burdens.

Music Credit: Raindrops by SoundGrenade - stock.adobe.com

Timestamps

Introduction to Food Insecurity (00:00:00)
Discussion on the connection between diet and health, emphasizing healthcare's role.

Podcast Overview (00:00:19)
Keith Reynolds introduces the podcast and the interview with Grace Koennecke and Alex Ashbrook.

Alex Ashbrook's Role (00:00:59)
Alex Ashbrook explains his position at FRAC and their mission against hunger.

Health Impacts of Food Insecurity (00:01:35)
Food insecurity's significant health risks, including diabetes and hypertension, are discussed.

Challenges for Healthcare Providers (00:02:49)
Barriers healthcare providers face in connecting patients to federal nutrition programs.

Benefits of SNAP and WIC (00:03:05)
The importance of SNAP and WIC in improving health outcomes and addressing food insecurity.

Gaps in Program Participation (00:04:20)
Discussion on low participation rates in SNAP and WIC among eligible populations.

Connecting Patients to Resources (00:05:45)
Strategies for healthcare providers to effectively connect patients to nutrition assistance programs.

Screening for Social Determinants (00:07:15)
Healthcare providers screening for food insecurity as a primary intervention strategy.

National Momentum for Food Security (00:08:37)
Recent national initiatives promoting healthcare involvement in addressing food insecurity.

Steps for Healthcare Providers (00:09:28)
Key actions healthcare providers should take to facilitate access to nutrition programs.

Awareness of Nutrition Programs (00:10:53)
The need for healthcare providers to understand eligibility and resources for federal programs.

Successful Models of Integration (00:12:37)
Examples of effective models where healthcare systems connect patients to nutrition assistance.

Future of Federal Nutrition Programs (00:14:32)
Vision for seamless connections to nutrition programs for eligible patients.

Advocacy for Nutrition Programs (00:16:09)
The importance of physician advocacy to strengthen federal nutrition programs.