Addressing Food Insecurity and Improving Food Allergy Management among Pediatric Patient/Caregiver Dyads During the COVID Pandemic

Food insecurity (FI) is an important social determinant of health associated with greater physical and psychosocial disease burden. During the COVID pandemic, FI has increased substantially, adversely impacting many families managing food allergy and already experiencing challenges accessing safe food. In collaboration with a non-profit food pantry, Food Equality Initiative, we are piloting a 6-month program that provides free monthly direct shipments of self-selected allergen-safe foods to food-allergic children at risk of food insecurity. Additionally, we provide fresh produce as well as management/food preparation resources.