As Program Coordinator, Clare provides support to the program activities for the Network; this includes database management, program evaluation and reporting. She served as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Arizona, supporting the Community Health Improvement Plan, focused on food access, mental health, and substance abuse prevention. After her year of service, she supported the analysis and development of the Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan. She also worked at a health system, supporting their community health initiatives. Clare received her B.A. in Sociology from St. Norbert College.

Articles & Resources

Food Insecurity and Pregnancy: Addressing Inequities through “Food is Medicine” Initiatives

Law & Policy InsightsMechanisms for Advancing Public HealthMaternal and Child HealthFood Safety and SecurityReproductive Health and Equity 

November 22, 2024
by Clare Santas and Kathleen Hoke

Women are disproportionately affected by food insecurity, and these disparities are even more pronounced during pregnancy, with some studies estimating that one in five pregnant people face food insecurity. There is growing interest in positioning food insecurity as a health issue requiring a health care response. Federal and state programs that center "food as medicine" show promise in addressing the negative health outcomes that can result from food insecurity, improving both maternal and child health outcomes.

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