The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“IN RECOGNITION OF THE MALNUTRITION EPIDEMIC” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1389 on Sept. 29, 2015.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN RECOGNITION OF THE MALNUTRITION EPIDEMIC
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HON. NORMA J. TORRES
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an important, but often unnoticed, epidemic in our country and to voice my support for the fight to end it. Malnutrition negatively impacts the lives of millions of Americans who do not have adequate access to nutritious food. While the symptoms can vary from hunger to obesity, one thing has become incredibly clear--malnutrition disproportionately affects senior citizens and people of color. All throughout the United States, the problem negatively impacts the livelihood of families and takes a toll on the nation's healthcare costs.
One of the contributing factors to malnutrition in the United States is poverty and lack of access to healthy foods. According to the 2014 Census, there are 46.7 million people living in poverty in our country. The lack of financial resources means that families often have to rely on cheaper foods with artificial ingredients. These foods are frequently high in caloric intake and do not possess the necessary nutritious properties to make up a healthy diet. Many health side effects, such as obesity, come as a result of this.
Just as troubling is the existence of food deserts in the nation, which are defined as an area of land where residences have limited access to affordable and nutritious food. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, at least one food desert exists in every state in the nation. Millions of Americans often go hungry or rely on unhealthy food simply because they do not have the means to get to a grocery store near their home. This is an unacceptable problem, particularly considering that food deserts are most prevalent in poor, urban localities that are home to many minorities. In order to address the growing malnutrition epidemic in our country, we must encourage investments in our neighborhoods to make sure that everyone has easy access to nutritious foods.
Additionally, malnutrition impacts the healthcare systems in so many of our communities. Recent studies have shown that one in three patients arrive at hospitals malnourished. Patients with malnutrition have been known to be more likely to suffer longer hospital stays, have slower healing, and be at greater risk for re-hospitalizations and complications. Another study found that the economic burden of disease-
associated malnutrition in the U.S. to be an estimated $156.7 billion per year--and for those aged 65 and older, it is estimated to be $51.3 billion per year. These numbers make clear that nutritional status deserves more attention.
A critical ingredient often lacking in malnutrition care today is engagement by the broader healthcare establishment. While healthcare providers are beginning to utilize standardized malnutrition screening, assessment, and appropriate interventions for older adults, more development in these areas are vital to leading healthier lives and saving on healthcare costs. We cannot afford to ignore such low-cost solutions.
Focus on malnutrition care will help yield transformative policies for patient-centered medical care and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's older adults. September 28 to October 2 has been designated as Malnutrition Awareness Week. Let us use this time as a call to action to increase awareness and find solutions that better support the healthy aging of all citizens across our communities.
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