The Relationship Between Food Insecurity and Cardiovascular Health Outcomes and Efficacy of Food Banks in Improving Cardiovascular Outcomes Among Those Experiencing Food Insecurity

Abstract

Food insecurity, an issue characterized by limited or uncertain access to sufficient and nutritious food, has wide-ranging consequences. Dietary choices significantly impact cardiovascular health, including the development of conditions like diabetes. However, individuals grappling with food insecurity often encounter constraints in their food options and struggle to obtain high-quality, nutritious meals. Consequently, they face an elevated risk of experiencing adverse cardiovascular outcomes. To address this critical concern, food banks have emerged as establishments dedicated to meeting the nutritional needs of individuals confronted with food insecurity. Traditionally, food banks have provided emergency food assistance during times of crisis. More recently, researchers have explored the potential of food banks to serve as platforms for implementing nutritional interventions aimed at improving cardiovascular health outcomes and addressing risk factors. This review aims to assess different interventions that have been implemented through food banks in the United States to address the interconnected issues of food insecurity and increased risk of cardiovascular outcomes and risk factors, especially diabetes. By synthesizing the existing evidence, this review seeks to identify effective strategies for improving cardiovascular health among food-insecure populations and inform future interventions in this field.