Helping Veterans combat food insecurity

VA and Food is Medicine Coalition (FIMC) are partnering to improve access to medically tailored meals and groceries for Veterans, addressing critical food insecurity linked to increased risks of depression and suicidal ideation.

This partnership aligns with VA’s goal to provide accessible benefits and services that meet the unique needs of Veterans and supports the Biden-Harris administration’s National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.

The joint effort focuses on connecting food insecure Veterans with resources, specifically nonprofit organizations, that provide medically tailored food and nutrition services in support of their comprehensive health and wellbeing.

“Food insecurity is linked to a number of chronic medical conditions like diabetes, cardiac disease, certain cancers and depression,” said Dr. Christine Going, senior advisor, VA’s Food Security office. “Suicidal ideations can be four times higher in someone who is food insecure compared to someone who is food secure. And Veterans are not immune. Some subsets of Veterans are at greater risk for food insecurity than others, resulting in an increased risk of poor health outcomes.”

Veterans aged 65–74 are at greatest risk

VA’s most recent screening data shows that Veterans aged 65–74 are at greatest risk for food insecurity, which is a shift from FY2023 when Veterans aged 55-64 were at highest risk. Additionally, women Veterans, regardless of their service era, experience food insecurity at about 19%, a rate higher than the general population.

“FIMC feels strongly that Veterans make significant sacrifices for the United States and should never struggle to put food on the table,” said Alissa Wassung, FIMC executive director. “FIMC agencies across the country are implementing specific programs to address this issue and serving Veterans with qualifying medical and/or mental health diagnoses.”

If you are a Veteran experiencing food insecurity, reach out to the Social Work Services or Nutrition and Food Services offices at your nearest VA facility.