Food Insecurity

If you or a loved one is struggling to afford food due to rising costs, job loss, or other financial challenges, you are not alone. Many individuals and families face food insecurity, and support is available. Numerous programs and community resources can help provide access to nutritious food, including services designed for families with children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities.

Exploring these resources can be an important step toward ensuring you and your loved ones have the food and support you need.

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides funds to low or no-income individuals to purchase food. More info here: www.fns.usda.gov/snap
  • Food Banks provide food to those with low or no income. Find a local food bank here: FeedingAmerica.org
  • Food Pantries provide food for individuals and families to take home and prepare. Food pantries may offer shelf-stable foods, produce, meat or poultry, and dairy products. Many city or county websites have directories of local food pantries and other emergency food resources
  • Community Kitchens provide free hot or prepared meals to individuals and families in a communal setting. Community kitchens may be hosted by local churches, mosques, synagogues, or other community organizations. Check with organizations in your community to find a local community kitchen.
  • School free Breakfast & Lunch programs: For communities where social distancing activities include remote/home learning for school age children (elementary through high school) many schools are offering free breakfast and lunch programs.  Check your local school district or department of education for more details.  You can learn more about the federal school breakfast and lunch programs by visiting USDA Child Nutrition Programs 

If using medical nutrition or enteral therapy, the programs below may be helpful.

 

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), or Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA):  

  • These accounts allow you to set aside funds each year to purchase medical supplies
  • Medical supplies may include nutritional supplements such as Boost® Original, Ensure® Original Nutrition Shake, Kate Farms® Komplete, and Orgain® Organic Nutrition All-In-One Nutritional Shake
  • You may need a Letter of Medical Necessity from your healthcare provider for reimbursement—check your plan requirements
  • Certain vitamins and prenatal vitamins are also eligible—check your plan specifics
  • Speak with your employer about these programs.
  • Many nutrition supplement companies offer discount codes, first-time buyer discounts, samples of product, or other patient assistance programs s.
    • Visiting the company’s website and asking for support may uncover a variety of different resources available    

The IBD Help Center team also connects people with local, federal resources and other assistance programs. You can talk or email a member of the IBD Help Center by clicking here.