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Access to Food, Access to Health : A Resource Guide for Food Insecurity in Windham County, VT
Badnjevic, Lajla
Badnjevic, Lajla
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Abstract
Food insecurity in Windham County has increased from 12.3% in 2019 to 13.6% in 2023. Research shows a strong link between food insecurity and increased risk of cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Individuals already living with these conditions are also more likely to experience food insecurity, often at more severe levels. In Vermont, poor diet is one of three key behaviors contributing to four major diseases—cancer, heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, and lung disease—which together account for over 50% of deaths statewide. These chronic illnesses also place a significant financial strain on the healthcare system, with national costs projected to reach trillions in the coming decades. In response, I developed a comprehensive pamphlet that brings together information on food insecurity, local food assistance programs, and how individuals can access support. The pamphlet is distributed by clinical staff to patients who screen positive for food insecurity, offering clear, actionable information. It serves as a convenient, offline resource that brings key information together in one place, complete with phone numbers and guidance for getting started. The goal is to empower patients to engage with available resources and support informed, patient-centered conversations within the clinical setting. Results of the project have yet to be studied.
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2025-01-01
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Badnjevic__Community_Health_Improvement_Project.pdf
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