Food Insecurity, Nutritional Literacy, and Heart Disease: A Novel Interdisciplinary University of Pittsburgh Initiative

Abstract

Heart failure patients with limited food access and food insecurity have elevated risks for symptomatic morbidity, recurrent hospitalization and mortality. We propose a novel, interdisciplinary intervention to: (a) identify UPMC heart failure patients (n=30) with food insecurity and limited social resources, heretofore unrecognized by standard clinical care; and (b) deliver a 6-month, home-based intervention to address food insecurity, social challenges, and nutritional literacy. We combine expertise in heart failure, home-based social work interventions, nutrition in chronic disease, and neighborhood-level strategies for public health. Our safety-net program will improve outcomes in vulnerable individuals and strengthen Pitt’s community-based safety net.

Principal Investigator

Jared Magnani
Co-Principal Investigator
School of Medicine

Daniel Rosen
Co-Principal Investigator
School of Social Work

Select Collaborators

Kim Kelly
Team Member
Heart and Vascular Institute

Michael Mathier
Team Member
Heart and Vascular Institute

Thuy Bui 
Team Member
General Internal Medicine

Judith Dodd 
Team Member
Nutrition

Deborah Hutcheson
Team Member
Nutrition

Erin Kelly
Team Member
Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank

Tiffany Gary-Webb
Team Member
School of Public Health

Jodie Bryk
Team Member
General Internal Medicine