Key Takeaways

• Food insecurity is a health and safety issue, not just a nutrition issue. Inconsistent access to healthy, adequate food is strongly linked to poorer physical health, behavioral and school challenges, caregiver stress, and increased interaction with child and adult support systems. Recognizing food insecurity as a preventable risk factor is critical to early intervention and long-term family well-being.
• Healthy eating on a limited budget is possible with practical, realistic strategies. Small, actionable changes like using canned and frozen vegetables, choosing store brands, and shopping sales can meaningfully improve diet quality without increasing costs. Care managers play a key role in sharing these strategies with families in a judgment-free, culturally responsive guidance way.  
• SNAP and WIC are essential tools and care managers can help families stay enrolled. Care managers can support families by educating them about the enrollment process; facilitating recertification by encouraging families to keep contact info updated in ePASS/with their local DSS office; and helping families navigate newly expanded SNAP work requirements, including connecting them to options to meet requirements like volunteering or employment programs. Proactive support helps ensure families maintain access to food at all times.