In 2021, an estimated 42 million Americans, including 13 million children, lacked adequate access to food. Moreover, within that number, food insecurity disproportionately affected racial and ethnic minority populations. The lack of access to affordable nutritious food is strongly linked with multiple chronic health conditions, mental health disorders, drug and alcohol use, and other nutrition-related chronic diseases.
In the newly published JAMA Viewpoint, “Research Opportunities to Address Nutrition Insecurity and Disparities,” NIMHD Director Dr. Eliseo Pérez-Stable, along with Acting NIH Director Dr. Larry Tabak and NINR Director Dr. Shannon Zenk, discuss the challenges, complexities, and potential opportunities to address diet-related health disparities.