Food Security
Food Security
Children who live in households that are food insecure are likely to be sick more often, recover more slowly and hospitalized frequently. Food insecurity is associated with chronic diseases such as asthma, mental health, social emotional problems and other health issues. Food security and nutrition are crucial to improving children’s health and development. We are committed to bettering food security and health for kids.
Food security means consistent access to enough safe, nutritious food for an active, healthy life.
We work with health systems and food systems to increase community food security. Traditionally, health care sectors and food systems worked independently – this is where we come in. We help to bridge connections across these organizations to build awareness, find ways to coordinate and leverage each other’s strengths. This innovative partnership works to help get children what they need to live and thrive.
Cutting-edge innovation in health equity
Cross-sector partnerships between clinics and food pantries are critical to support children and family’s connection to nutrition and food resources. Food pantries embedded within local communities are essential to the economic well-being of individuals and families whose circumstances make it difficult to access food.
View our cutting-edge practice for building capacity for food systems and health systems to partner. This practice intends to strengthen communication across food banks, food pantries and primary care clinics to increase food security and health of children and youth.
As a result of this impactful work, the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) will be presenting our food security initiative team with the Advancing Health Equity Award at the annual AMCHP conference in New Orleans.
Learn more about how the FoodCare Coalition was formed through relationship and trust building.
Learn more about the full scope of the FoodCare Coalition’s work to build capacity for food systems and health systems to partner in this summary.
View our recent data chat reports for additional insights on community conversations related to food security in Milwaukee County.
Building Capacity for Health and Food Systems to Partner
The food security and health pilot aims to strengthen communication between food systems and health care systems. This model is designed to build a foundation of trust that can lead to shared decision making on programs and policies.
The resources below provide guidance on how we are building capacity. Please check back for updates.
For more information, please contact Geeta Wadhwani.
Our Partners
Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin (the Alliance) relies on partnerships to complete this work. These partners include:
- Children’s Wisconsin
- Chorus Community Health Plans
- Data You Can Use
- Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin
- Medical College of Wisconsin
- Milwaukee Health Department
- NourishMKE
Contact Our Staff
Geeta Wadhwani, MPH, RN, BSN
Program Leader – Food Security and Medical Home
(414) 337-2231
gwadhwani@childrenswi.org
Food Security News
A winter community gathering
At the end of February, the FoodCare Coalition hosted a community gathering and conversation – it was the next step following a set of three Data Chats last fall. The goal was to share [...]
Food security Embedded Navigator Model
After nearly 18 months of piloting an embedded FoodShare outreach specialist model at Midtown Clinic, the food security initative has gained valuable insights into how families prefer to connect with food, nutrition, health insurance [...]
