How SNAP Benefits Impact Food Security for Children with Celiac Disease: A Call for Change

The American Academy of Pediatrics highlights a serious issue: millions of children in the U.S. face food insecurity. This doesn’t just mean they miss meals; it impacts their health, education, and overall well-being. Currently, around 13 million children lack consistent access to enough nutritious food, equating to nearly one in five kids nationwide.

When food insecurity intersects with specific health conditions, the stakes get even higher. Take celiac disease, for example. Those affected can’t consume gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, and rye. Managing this requires strict adherence to a gluten-free diet—often a costly one. Basic gluten-free items can cost over double their gluten-containing versions, making it difficult for families with limited budgets.

From my experience as a pediatrician in New Haven, I see the struggles firsthand. Many families depend on programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) to meet their needs. Unfortunately, celiac disease doesn’t discriminate based on income; it affects people across various socioeconomic backgrounds.

A 2022 study found that 19% of families with a child who has celiac disease experienced food insecurity. Even more concerning, 21% faced “gluten-free food insecurity,” meaning they struggled to find gluten-free options. Because of financial constraints, some kids were even reported to intentionally consume gluten products, which can lead to severe health issues.

Food insecurity worsens the impact of celiac disease. When people can’t get the nutrients they need, it can lead to serious deficiencies. A Canadian study showed that less than two-thirds of food-insecure adults with celiac disease consumed enough essential vitamins and minerals. For example, only 24.1% of food-insecure patients maintained a strict gluten-free diet, compared to 67.9% of food-secure individuals.

The risks don’t stop there. If untreated, celiac disease can lead to serious conditions like osteoporosis and even cancer. For children, this could mean poor growth, delayed puberty, and dental issues.

Children with celiac disease, especially those living in food-insecure households, need targeted financial support to maintain a healthy gluten-free diet. Unfortunately, the recent federal budget bill signed on July 4 further complicates this issue. According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, the bill could cut food assistance for 2 million children, including those with celiac disease. With one in five of these families already struggling to secure nutritious food, the risk of severe health problems continues to grow.

As healthcare providers, we must advocate for better policies. This includes pushing for reimbursements, insurance coverage, and more funding to help families access gluten-free foods. We know that an investment in food security, especially for vulnerable children, is vital for their health and the stability of our healthcare system.

Caroline Brauner, MD, is a pediatrician in New Haven. The views expressed here are her own and do not reflect her employer’s opinions.

Source link