"You are what you eat" is a saying that reflects the deep connection between food, nutrition, and health. Unfortunately, the rise of diet-related diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers, is driven by diets that are high in unhealthy processed foods, added sugars, sugary drinks, saturated fats, and sodium, while lacking sufficient fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Start Childhood Off Right (SCOR), an initiative from Connecticut Children's Office for Community Child Health, is addressing food insecurity, particularly among children. The program is designed to help families struggling with food access by providing resources and support to ensure they can access nutritious food. Through the 2-Question Hunger Vital Sign screen used in Connecticut Children’s primary care locations and Emergency Department, SCOR identifies families experiencing food insecurity and connects them with crucial resources. With funding from Rite Aid and Cigna, SCOR provides families with vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables, which can be redeemed at four local Hartford grocery stores. This initiative is a crucial step in improving the health and well-being of children by increasing access to healthy foods.
In Connecticut, food insecurity is a growing issue, particularly affecting children. According to DataHaven's 2022 report, 1 in 6 children in the state experience food insecurity, meaning they lack reliable access to enough nutritious food to live an active and healthy life. The issue is especially prevalent in Black and Latino communities, where 1 in 4 children experience food insecurity. These disparities highlight the critical need for programs like SCOR to ensure all families have access to healthy food.
Food insecurity doesn't just affect a child’s access to meals; it can have serious physical, mental, and developmental consequences. Children who experience food insecurity are at greater risk for:
- Physical Health: Issues such as malnutrition, poor growth, chronic diet-related diseases like obesity, asthma, and diabetes, as well as poor oral health, fatigue, and frequent emergency room visits.
- Mental Health: Increased rates of depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. The ongoing stress of food insecurity can significantly impact a child’s mental health.
- Developmental Delays: Food insecurity has been linked to delays in development and academic struggles, which can have long-term consequences for a child's future success.
SCOR is addressing these challenges by providing immediate support to families in need, not only through food resources but also by empowering them to make healthier food choices, such as increasing their intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.
One care coordinator shared a touching moment that illustrates the real-life impact of the program:
"Today, one of our providers had an 8-year-old in her office, and when asked what he wanted, he simply said, 'I just want God to give my parents some money to buy fruits and vegetables.' When I brought his mother into the room, she was overwhelmed with emotion. Her eyes filled with tears as she expressed her gratitude. Parents have been deeply thankful for these vouchers."
This story illustrates the profound impact SCOR is having on Connecticut families, providing not only food, but also hope and the ability to make healthier choices for their children.
Learn More About SCOR
To understand more about how the Start Childhood Off Right (SCOR) program is addressing food insecurity and improving the health of children in Connecticut, visit our website for more information on how the program works and its impact on the community.