Closing The Expectation Gap: Health Care and Food Bank Partnerships to Address Social Determinants of Health

Healthcare pioneers and the Malnutrition Quality Improvement initiative are increasingly referring clinical patients to social services organizations to address health equity and social determinants of health. But what happens after the referral? Data sharing challenges, varying clinical and research expertise, and the lack of a shared language are identified barriers to successful completion of food insecurity interventions.

RDNs/NDTRs are perfectly poised to be the interpreters between clinical and social organizations. Presenters describe how food banks are playing a leading role in connecting with research and healthcare to fulfill the promise and demonstrate the effectiveness of community partnerships that address malnutrition and food insecurity on an individual and population level. The session also highlight how RDNs/NDTRs in every area of practice can leverage their expertise to advocate for these innovative partnerships.

CPE Level: Level 2 (intermediate knowledge/experience)
CPEU: 1.0

Performance Indicators

• 12.3.4 Collaborates with community partners to design programs.
• 3.3.2 Collaborates with intra- and inter-profession team members to ensure client access to services.
• 2.3.4 Identifies opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships with individuals or organizations with shared visions.

Learning Objectives

• Evaluate the logistical processes and consequences of addressing food insecurity in clinical settings.
• Apply evidence-based collaboration toolkits to advocate for health care and food bank partnerships.
• Apply the "screen and refer" standard of care in clinical practice to address food insecurity.

Moderator

• Jenifer Ross

Speakers

• Betsy Anderson Steeves
• Rachel McCandless