Food and Nutrition Insecurity: A Social Determinant Hungry for Attention by Mental Health Professionals

Food and nutrition security—healthy food being available and households being able to access and use it—is necessary for mental and overall health but is a neglected social determinant of mental health. Mental health professionals should address food and nutrition insecurity by weighing in on federal and state legislation and policies related to food and nutrition; promoting food banks and pantries, “food is medicine” initiatives, and programs offering better opportunities to afford and access whole foods and fresh produce; and addressing food and nutrition insecurity at the individual level in the clinical setting through screening, assessment, treatment, and follow-up.