The Impact of Social Services on Alleviating Food Insecurity and Enhancing Health Outcomes in Low-Income Populations: A Systematic Review of Nutritional Interventions

Abstract

Background: Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in the United States, affecting approximately 34 million individuals, particularly marginalized populations such as children, single-parent families, and racial minorities. This condition is linked to various health complications, including chronic illnesses and increased healthcare costs. Addressing food insecurity through social services has the potential to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare expenditures.

Methods: This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of three nutritional interventions initiative: medically tailored meal delivery, healthy food boxes, and produce prescription programs. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted across multiple databases, focusing on studies that assessed dietary intake, food security status, and health outcomes in low-income populations experiencing food insecurity.

Results: Out of 21 studies included in the review, 81% reported improvements in dietary intake, with nearly 43% showing increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, 66.7% of studies indicated enhancements in food security status, while 61.9% reported positive changes in various chronic health conditions. Notably, the majority of studies utilized quasi-experimental designs, with a limited number employing randomized controlled trials.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that targeted nutritional interventions can significantly reduce food insecurity and improve health outcomes in low-income communities. However, there is a need for further research utilizing rigorous methodologies to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and long-term impact of these programs. Policymakers should consider integrating these interventions into broader public health strategies to address food insecurity as a social determinant of health