Evaluating the Impact of a Pediatric Clinic-Based Food Pantry: A Qualitative Study

Food insecurity is a significant barrier to children’s health. Clinic-based food safety net programs have the potential to improve health for patients experiencing food insecurity but have not been well studied in pediatric settings. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a pediatric primary care clinic-based food pantry on food recipients’ attitudes and behaviors and to explore recipients’ recommendations for program improvements to better meet their needs. Telephone interviews were conducted with 20 English or Spanish-speaking adult caregivers who received food from a pediatric clinic-based food pantry. Five major themes emerged from interviews: financial impact, emotional impact, access to the pantry, perspectives on pantry food, and areas for improvement. We found that a pediatric clinic-based food pantry is a convenient, trusted, and positively regarded resource that can alleviate psychosocial consequences of food insecurity. Based on participant recommendations, we propose ways to optimize patient engagement in a clinic-based food pantry program.