Table 3.

Considerations and recommendations for organizations when selecting food for those experiencing houselessness

Unique Need of the Unhoused	Consideration	Recommendation
Chronic Health Concerns	Diabetes mellitus Hypertension Hyperlipidemia	Minimize added sugar Minimize added sodium Minimize saturated fat
Dentition Status	Painful cavities Tooth infections Missing teeth	Across all food groups: - Include soft food options - Be mindful of chewy or crunchy foods
Minimal Food Storage and Preparation Space	No or limited access to: - Refrigeration - Heat or warm food - Cook food Responsible for carrying belongings	Ideally offer - Non-perishable foods - Ready-to-eat foods At least offer: - Food that will not perish for several hours unrefrigerated Distribute can openers