Food insecurity advocacy for pediatric surgeons

In brief

This article examines the role of pediatric surgeons in addressing food insecurity as a critical social determinant affecting surgical outcomes in children. It provides guidance on advocacy strategies and interventions that surgeons can implement to identify and mitigate food insecurity in their patient populations.

• Food insecurity affects 1 in 8 U.S. children and is linked to worse surgical outcomes and delayed recovery.
• Pediatric surgeons should screen families for food insecurity using validated 2-question tools during clinic visits.
• Advocacy includes connecting families to SNAP, WIC, and local food banks as part of perioperative care planning.
• Food insecurity increases risk of malnutrition, impaired wound healing, and higher readmission rates post-surgery.
• Institutional policies should integrate food security assessments into standard pediatric surgical pathways.

Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.