Keywords

dietetics education, food insecurity

 

Authors

  1. Holben, David H. PhD, RD, LD

Abstract

Food insecurity can lead to physical impairments, psychological suffering, and sociofamilial disturbances in individuals. Research continues to clarify the negative effects of food insecurity on the health of individuals across the life span. Dietetics professionals are uniquely positioned to assist in the efforts of helping to reduce food insecurity and to build community food security, and it is vital that education programs effectively educate future practitioners about food security. This article provides an insight into dietetic educators' food security knowledge and educational practices, reviews the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education's foundation knowledge and skills and competency statements related to food security, and provides practical suggestions for incorporating food security-related principles into dietetics curricula, including courses and rotations. Equipping future practitioners with food security knowledge will undoubtedly foster the improvement of the food security status of individuals and households.