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WASHINGTON D.C. – The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has concluded that there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend routine food insecurity screening in primary care settings. This decision, detailed in a final recommendation statement published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), highlights the challenges in determining the balance of benefits and harms associated with such screening.
Researchers, led by Elizabeth A. O’Connor, Ph.D., from Kaiser Permanente in Portland, Oregon, conducted a comprehensive systematic review of existing studies. Their analysis revealed a significant lack of high-quality research on the effectiveness of food insecurity screening and interventions in healthcare settings.
Specifically, the review found only one randomized clinical trial examining the direct impact of screening. This study showed no significant difference in food insecurity levels after six months. While 29 studies explored interventions to address food insecurity, a vast majority (27) were deemed to be of poor quality. Of the two studies considered to be of fair quality, one indicated that home delivery of medically tailored meals was associated with lower food insecurity, and the other showed a smaller increase in body mass index among children whose families participated in a mobile food bank.
Based on these findings, the USPSTF has issued an “I statement,” signifying that the current evidence is inadequate to assess the balance of benefits and harms of food insecurity screening on health outcomes in primary care.
In an accompanying editorial, Arvin Garg, M.D., M.P.H., from the UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center in Worcester, and colleagues emphasized that the most effective solution to food insecurity would be through robust social policies and a strengthened social safety net. They suggest that addressing the root causes of food insecurity at a societal level is crucial.
The USPSTF acknowledges the significant public health concern surrounding food insecurity but stresses the need for more rigorous research to determine the efficacy of screening in primary care settings.
More Information:
- Study: Elizabeth A. O’Connor et al, Preventive Services for Food Insecurity, JAMA (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.22805
- Editorial: Arvin Garg et al, US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations for Screening for Food Insecurity, JAMA (2025). DOI: 10.1001/jama.2025.1021
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided by the USPSTF and published in JAMA. The information provided here is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.1 The findings of the USPSTF are subject to change as new research becomes available.
