Use of Hospital-Based Food Pantries Among Low-Income Urban Cancer Patients

Top Things to Know

Immigrant and severely ill cancer patients benefit significantly from hospital-based food pantries, suggesting these services improve food security among vulnerable cancer patients.

Younger patients are less likely to use these services, indicating a need for targeted outreach.

The results of this study contribute to the validation of the expanded role of FIM programs in promoting health and addressing food insecurity among high-risk populations.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The study examined the use of hospital-based food pantries among low-income urban cancer patients at five cancer clinics in New York City. It found that younger patients used the pantry less, while immigrant patients and those with prostate or Stage IV cancer used it more. The median number of return visits within four months was 2, with a mean of 3.25 visits. The study suggests that hospital-based food pantries can effectively address food insecurity among cancer patients, particularly those most at risk.