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Experts Available: How to Make Sure Surgical Patients Don’t Go Hungry

December 2, 2025

CHICAGO — For many, the holidays mean large gatherings with friends and family centered around an abundance of food, but the reality is starkly different for the 47 million Americans living without reliable access to nutritious foods. 

The impact of food insecurity—which affects 1 in 7 households in the United States—can be far-reaching and dangerous. Food insecurity is defined as the lack of access to food of sufficient quality or quantity to meet basic nutritional needs. For these millions of Americans, including more than 7 million children, lack of access to sufficient and nutritious food poses several health risks.

People living with chronic diseases and those scheduled for surgery are especially vulnerable to the negative impacts of insufficient nutrition. Nutrition and safe surgery are closely linked: A 2025 investigation published in JAMA Surgery found that trauma patients experiencing food insecurity faced a greater risk of complications post-surgery (41% vs. 12.5%) and longer lengths of stay (median of 13 days vs. 5 days).

Research also shows that interventions work: A study presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2024 found that implementing a preoperative nutrition program significantly decreased postoperative complications across multiple surgical specialties within a regional health care system. 

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has resources available for journalists interested in writing about the under-reported link between nutrition and its important role in shaping surgical outcomes. Journalists may contact pressinquiry@facs.org to schedule an interview with an ACS expert.

About the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has approximately 90,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

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