Hi, my name is Victoria. Welcome to today’s Fresh Focus podcast episode where we will discuss a very important topic, “Food Security and Insecurity in the Veteran population”. Food insecurity in the Veteran population is an important issue that affects millions of Veterans; impacting many factors of their health and well-being. In this episode, we will discuss…
What food security and insecurity are, Health disparities and nutritional risk factors that Veterans experiencing food insecurity often face Frequently asked questions regarding practical shopping advice on a budget and current programs available for Veterans facing food insecurity.

What is food security/insecurity?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food security as when there are little to no reported indications of problems or limitations accessing food, and there are no changes in the diet or typical food intake. 1
Food Insecurity is “a household level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food” 1 which can result in reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet or disrupted eating patterns and impacts food intake.
The US Department of Veteran Affairs (the VA) reported that 1.5 million veterans are living in poverty.2 and that working age Veterans are at about 7.4% higher risk of experiencing food insecurity than non-Veterans.3

Health disparities/ Nutritional Risk Factors
Food insecurity often results in individuals having limited access to healthy foods, and much of the foods they do have access to are typically those which are higher in calories, added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium. In general, diets high in these ultra-processed foods put individuals at risk for chronic illnesses such as obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, as well as diabetes.4

Practical shopping advice/food assistance Programs
With food insecurity, grocery shopping may be extremely challenging, but there are a few tips that can help with shopping on a limited budget.

Do I only need to buy fresh produce and meat?
It is a very common misconception that the only way to eat healthfully is to eat fresh foods or the phrase that we have probably all heard “shop the perimeter of the grocery store”. However, canned fruits, vegetables, and beans are nutritious and shelf-stable options that are equally as beneficial as their fresh counterparts and will still provide you with important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. An important thing to keep in mind when purchasing canned foods is to check the label for “low-sodium” or “no salt added” for a more heart-healthy option, as many of these foods are high in sodium. Likewise, when buying canned fruits, look for “packed in juice” rather than syrup, to avoid the added sugars and calories.

Similar to canned fruits and vegetables, frozen fruits and vegetables can also be great options that are similar in nutritional value to those that are canned and fresh. Frozen and canned vegetables are even sometimes MORE nutritious than fresh because they are picked at peak ripeness and canned/frozen to preserve nutritional value, while fresh fruits and vegetables will often lose nutritional value the longer they sit in the fridge or on the counter. Like canned vegetables, just keep an eye out for pre-seasoned products that may have a lot of sodium, and choose frozen vegetables that are not seasoned or are lower in sodium.

There are also a variety of canned and packaged meat options that are healthy; such as tuna, salmon, and chicken that can be easy and budget-friendly protein options. For instance a few weeks ago another dietitian and I were talking to a Veteran with type 2 diabetes and currently doesn’t have a stove to cook on. During the appointment we explored canned protein options like chicken and salmon as well as canned vegetables options that he can use for a nutritious meal.

What if I can’t afford organic?

Another very common myth is that organic foods are the healthiest; however, both organic and non-organic are safe and healthy options, so we recommend buying what you can afford to get the best bang for your buck and to make the most out of your food budget. Ultimately, a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables is essential for health and well-being, regardless if they are organic or not.

And the last question we will address is what food assistance programs are available to veterans? Many VA campuses also have VA Food pantries through a partnership with Feeding America that Veterans facing food insecurity can utilize.7 In the food pantries, Veterans can get access to fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as canned and dried goods. Also If you would like to get involved or donate food to Veterans facing food insecurity, contact your local VA campus to find out if they have a food pantry and are accepting donations.

Another important resource is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. SNAP is the largest food assistance program, offering cash benefits to low-income Americans to help them buy food. Research has also shown that individuals receiving SNAP benefits had an improvement in food security status.5 It is estimated that 59% of Veterans are not enrolled in SNAP.6 research has also shown individuals receiving SNAP benefits had an improvement in food security status.

Thank you for joining us for this episode. If you would like to make a difference for Veterans in your community, consider donating to local VA food pantries. Together, we can help ensure that no Veteran goes hungry. Stay tuned for our next episode, and remember to subscribe and share our podcast.