Food Insecurity Is a Health Crisis: AbsoluteCare’s Approach to Food Access

Interview with Caitlin Figurski, AbsoluteCare Community Partnerships Program Manager

At AbsoluteCare, we serve thousands of Medicaid and vulnerable Medicare members whose health depends not just on medicine, but on access to food. With the impact to SNAP benefits looming, we sat down with Caitlin Figurski, our Community Partnerships Program Manager, to better understand what this may mean for our members. The following Q&A highlights the criticality of food security on health outcomes.

Q. Caitlin, can you tell us more about your role and focus at AbsoluteCare?

I serve as the Community Partnerships Program Manager, supporting Centers with their community engagement and social determinants of health (SDOH) initiatives. I support two key teams at ABC: our Resource Specialists and SDOH Coordinators. Both roles are deeply connected to our members and community partners working every day to make a difference in our members’ lives and health.

Q. What percentage of AbsoluteCare members currently rely on SNAP benefits or food banks for assistance? Additionally, have you observed any early effects on members or local food banks related to this looming stoppage in SNAP benefits?

I would say more than 90% of our members rely on some sort of food assistance on a fairly regular basis. In fact, we have already had members come into our Centers concerned about their ability to get the food they need for themselves and their families in the coming weeks. Losing funding they rely on – along with the persistently high costs of groceries – is extremely worrisome. So, we’re doing what we can to fill our own pantries and stock up for the MembersGiving lunch events we host in each Center during Thanksgiving week.

Q. What are some perhaps misunderstood consequences of food insecurity, particularly those that go beyond hunger or nutrition?

When we don’t have enough food to eat or feed our families, the ripple effects can be devastating. Doctor’s appointments get missed, homework gets harder to focus on, and keeping up with other bills takes a back seat. The stress and worry that comes with food insecurity affects child development and behaviors and impacts adult mental health and decision making. Simply put, having enough food to eat is the starting point for everything else. We can’t thrive in our full potential if we’re wondering if we’ll have dinner tonight.

Q. To what extent can we measure the impact of reliable access to food on individual or population health outcomes?

Multiple studies have demonstrated that reliable access to food reduces chronic diseases, improves mental health, supports healthy development from infancy to old age, and reduces the cost of healthcare. Additionally, lack of food access in our communities is tied to long-term systemic barriers and policy decisions. As a result, we see higher rates of food insecurity in neighborhoods that also face safety concerns, limited transportation, and financial hardship, all contributing factors to poor health outcomes.

Q. Can you summarize how AbsoluteCare is currently supporting its members during this period of increased food insecurity?

Our member lounges are always stocked with snacks and beverages, but we are prepared to offer increased support during this time. We are planning food distribution days in our Centers and food delivery when possible. Members can also reach out to their care team for support with other resources such as clothing and hygiene kits. In addition, each AbsoluteCare market is working on community-based strategies to build partnerships with local and national organizations to ensure food is available to members, such as a partnership with a local farm in Ohio to deliver fresh produce to our Center. We know this is a very distressing time for our communities and want our members to know we’re here to support beyond medicine and in any way we can.

There are multiple ways we ALL can support our communities and neighbors.

• We can donate our time, food, or dollars to a local foodbank. Find yours here: Feeding America Find Your Local Foodbank
• We can advocate to protect SNAP and Medicaid and contact our State Representative.
• We can stay informed on policy updates and support hunger relief organizations when they call for action: Feeding America Take Action