Researchers studied a program at a children’s hospital that helps families who struggle to afford food. They screened over 1,000 families and found that more than half didn’t have reliable access to enough food. Families who got help through the program—including free meals during hospital stays and connections to food assistance programs—were very satisfied with the support. Most families who got connected to community resources successfully applied for government food assistance (SNAP benefits), and the vast majority received those benefits within three months. This shows that hospitals can play an important role in helping families access the food support they need.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a hospital program that screens families for food insecurity and connects them to food assistance resources actually works and helps families
  • Who participated: 1,000 caregivers (parents and guardians) of children hospitalized at a large children’s hospital; 75% spoke English and 25% spoke Spanish
  • Key finding: More than half of the families screened (54%) didn’t have reliable access to enough food. When the hospital provided free meals and connected families to community organizations that help with food assistance programs, families were very satisfied (rated 9-10 out of 10). Within a year, 62% of referred families connected with the help program, and 86% of those who applied for government food benefits (SNAP) successfully received them within 3 months.
  • What it means for you: If your family struggles to afford food, hospitals may now be able to help connect you with resources and benefits you qualify for. This program shows that getting help is possible and that families who receive this support are satisfied with it. However, this was studied at one hospital, so availability may vary depending on where you live.

The Research Details

Researchers conducted a study at one large children’s hospital from March 2021 to March 2022. They screened all caregivers (in English and Spanish) to identify families struggling with food insecurity—meaning they didn’t have reliable access to enough food either at home or during their child’s hospital stay. Families who screened positive received a bundle of help: free meals while in the hospital and an active referral to a community organization that helps families apply for government food assistance programs and find local food pantries. The researchers then followed up with families two weeks after they left the hospital and again at 12 months to see what happened.

This research approach is important because it shows what happens in real-world hospital settings, not just in controlled laboratory conditions. By following families over a full year and measuring both how satisfied they were with the program and whether they actually received food benefits, the researchers could see if the program truly made a difference in families’ lives. The fact that they tracked both short-term satisfaction and long-term outcomes gives a complete picture of whether the program works.

This study has some strengths: it included a large number of families (1,000), served both English and Spanish-speaking families, and tracked outcomes over a full year. However, there are some limitations to keep in mind: it was conducted at only one hospital, so results may not apply everywhere; there was no comparison group of families who didn’t receive the program to compare against; and about 30% of families didn’t complete the two-week follow-up, which means some information is missing. These factors mean the results are promising but should be confirmed with additional research.

What the Results Show

The study found that food insecurity was very common among families with hospitalized children. Of the 1,000 families screened, 540 (54%) tested positive for food insecurity—meaning they either didn’t have enough food at home (48%) or worried about food during the hospital stay (46%). Some families experienced both types of food insecurity. When families received the hospital’s help program, they were extremely satisfied. Families rated their comfort with being asked about food insecurity 10 out of 10, their satisfaction with free hospital meals 9 out of 10, and their satisfaction with the community organization’s help 10 out of 10. This shows that families appreciated being asked about their food struggles and valued the support offered.

The follow-up data showed that the community organization successfully reached 62% of the families referred to them. Of those families who connected with the organization, 51% applied for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps). Most importantly, 86% of families who applied for SNAP received benefits within three months. This means that the program not only helped families get connected to resources but actually resulted in them receiving ongoing food assistance. The 12-month follow-up data suggests that the program had lasting effects beyond the hospital stay.

This research adds to growing evidence that hospitals can be important places to identify and help families struggling with food insecurity. Previous research has shown that food insecurity harms children’s health and development, but fewer studies have tested whether hospital-based programs can successfully connect families to help. This study shows that hospitals can effectively screen for food insecurity and that families are willing to accept help when offered. The high satisfaction rates and successful connection to benefits suggest this approach is better than doing nothing.

Several important limitations should be considered: First, this study was conducted at only one hospital, so the results may not apply to all hospitals or communities. Second, there was no comparison group—the researchers didn’t compare families who got the program to families who didn’t, so they can’t be completely certain the program caused the improvements. Third, 30% of families didn’t complete the two-week follow-up, so some information is missing. Fourth, the study doesn’t tell us whether families’ food insecurity actually improved long-term or whether they continued receiving SNAP benefits beyond three months. Finally, the study only included families at this particular hospital, so results may differ in other settings or communities.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a parent or caregiver struggling to afford food, ask your hospital or healthcare provider about food insecurity screening and assistance programs. If your child is hospitalized, let the hospital know if you’re worried about food—they may be able to help. Apply for SNAP benefits if you qualify; this study shows that most families who apply successfully receive benefits. If you’re a hospital administrator or healthcare provider, consider implementing a similar screening and referral program, as this research shows it’s feasible, acceptable to families, and effective. Confidence level: Moderate—this is promising evidence from one well-conducted study, but more research at different hospitals would strengthen these findings.

This research is most relevant for: families with children who are struggling to afford food; parents and caregivers of hospitalized children; hospital administrators and pediatric healthcare providers; community organizations that help families access food assistance; and policymakers interested in improving children’s health. This research may be less immediately relevant for families who have reliable access to adequate food, though it shows the importance of screening since food insecurity can affect anyone during difficult times.

Families who connected with the community organization and applied for SNAP benefits received them within 3 months. However, the study didn’t track how long families continued receiving benefits or whether their food insecurity stayed improved. You should expect that getting connected to resources takes a few weeks, and receiving benefits typically takes 1-3 months. Long-term benefits depend on continuing to qualify for and maintain these programs.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your family’s food security status monthly by noting: (1) whether you had enough food for all meals each week, (2) whether you worried about running out of food, and (3) whether you successfully accessed food assistance programs. Use a simple 1-10 scale or yes/no responses to monitor changes over time.
  • Use the app to set a reminder to apply for SNAP benefits or other food assistance programs if you haven’t already. Create a checklist of local food pantries and community resources in your area, and track when you visit them. Set a goal to connect with a community organization for food assistance support within one month.
  • Set up monthly check-ins to review your food security status. Track whether you’re receiving benefits, how often you access food pantries, and how your family’s food situation has changed. Use the app to store contact information for helpful resources and set reminders for benefit renewal dates or follow-up appointments with community organizations.

This research describes a hospital-based program for identifying and helping families with food insecurity. While the results are promising, this study was conducted at one hospital and may not apply to all settings. Food insecurity is a complex issue that requires ongoing support and access to multiple resources. If you’re struggling to afford food, speak with your healthcare provider, hospital social worker, or contact local community organizations for assistance. This information is not a substitute for professional medical or social services advice. Always consult with qualified professionals about your family’s specific situation and needs.