Experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have asked pediatricians to join efforts against childhood hunger. On Friday, the professional association of pediatricians urged doctors to examine every patient for food insecurity. It also asked pediatricians to refer parents to apt agencies so that children do not stay hungry.

As per a report of the Department of Agriculture, more than 16 million kids live in homes where they do not find enough food. Those children usually develop health issues, like they get sick more often, are visit hospital more often than peers who have enough food to consume.

Food insecurity is not only linked to health issues in hungry children, but also to behavioral and emotional problems in them. Mariana Chilton, the director of the Center for Hunger-Free Communities at Drexel University, said in a statement that it is the right time to take action. It is well known that food insecurity drives up health-care costs. It is linked to more hospitalizations, and is associated with poor childhood development and health, Chilton added.

According to Chilton, it is not an easy task to convince pediatrician community to focus on food insecurity. The new policy by AAP is also encouraging pediatricians to make them familiar with federal nutrition programs and food banks locally.

Melissa Boteach of the Center for American Progress said, “If you think about meeting families where they are — they are in schools and in doctors’ offices. Having pediatricians connect them to resources they need could really have a big impact”.