Answer 1 is incorrect. 31.96% chose this answer. “Food insecurity is defined as uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate food at least once a week.”  Although this answer is partially correct, the last part, “at least once a week” makes this answer incorrect.  According to the USDA food insecurity is defined as, “the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways.”  It doesn’t include a time span or frequency. 

Answer 2 is incorrect. 5.08% of you chose this answer. “Conduct food insecurity screening and income assessment once every 3-5 years.”   This answer also has elements of accuracy, but flails at the end. The ADA Standards recommend conducting food insecurity screenings on a yearly basis and helping individuals access needed resources.

Answer 3 is correct. Great Job! About 60.05% of respondents chose this. “Any health care team member can screen for food insecurity using The Hunger Vital Sign.”

The Hunger Vital Sign identifies households as being at risk for food insecurity if they answer that either or both of the following two statements is ‘often true’ or ‘sometimes true’ (vs. ‘never true’):

“ Within the past 12 months we worried whether our food would run out before we got money to buy more.”

“ Within the past 12 months the food we bought just didn’t last and we didn’t have money to get more.”

Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 2.91% chose this answer. “People with food insecurity are less likely to experience hyperglycemia due to decreased caloric intake.”  There is no scientific evidence to support this answer and people with food insecurity can experience periods of adequate food intake interspersed with inadequate food intake.

We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!