Dietary Behaviors and Diet Quality of Low‐Income Children in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Abstract

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the national nutrition safety net for low‐income families. Few studies have thoroughly examined dietary differences by children's SNAP participation status. We examined if SNAP participation was associated with weight and dietary outcomes in low‐income children. Using 1999–2008 NHANES, the study included 5,730 children aged 4–19 with household incomes <130% of federal poverty level. Diet was measured using 1–2 24‐hour recalls. No significant associations were observed between SNAP participation and weight status among all children (OR, obesity, 0.94, 95% CI 0.67, 1.32), or within age, sex and food security groups. For SNAP and non‐SNAP children, mean intakes of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fiber, and potassium were ≤50% of the recommendations. Mean intakes of sugary beverages, saturated fat, sodium and iron were ≥150% of the recommendations. After multivariate adjustment, SNAP participants consumed 30% more vegetables (95% CI 4%, 62%), 34% more processed meats (95% CI 6%, 69%), 36% more high‐fat dairy (95% CI 13% 63%), and 63% more water (95% CI 14%, 31%) than nonparticipants. Additional dietary differences were observed among food‐insecure children only. SNAP participation was associated with a 5% lower Alternate Healthy Eating Index (95% CI 1%, 9%). Regardless of SNAP participation, the diets of low‐income children need improvement.Grant Funding Source : Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; Aetna Foundation; National Institutes of Health