How Tech is Helping to Combat Food Insecurity and Transform Healthcare

By: Kelsey Long, Project Policy Analyst for the Center for Vulnerable Populations in the Division of General and Internal Medicine at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital

We are told from a young age to eat our fruits and vegetables, yet poor diet is the leading cause of death in the United States. Over $500 billion a year is spent in the U.S. treating chronic diseases, many of which are mostly preventable by diet and moderate exercise. Yet, for many people in America, food insecurity, or the lack of consistent access to adequate food for a healthy life, is a significant challenge and makes it more difficult for many to meet the nutritional needs of their household.

“As a primary care provider, patients would tell me that they really wanted to eat a healthier diet, but foods like fruits and vegetables were luxury items and they simply didn’t have enough