Factors Associated with Fruit and Vegetable Purchases of SNAP Recipients Residing in Multi-Person Households within a Food Desert

Abstract

ABSTRACT Fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake is inversely associated with obesity, which is disproportionately high in urban food deserts and low-income populations, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants. This cross sectional study sought to examine factors associated with food desert SNAP recipients’ F&V purchases and weight status in multi-person households. Socio-demographic characteristics, access to healthy foods and stores, affordability, purchasing practices, use of food assistance and weight status were analyzed. A convenience sample of seventy-one SNAP recipients were recruited from a Detroit, MI food desert. Participants were 45–54 years of age (33.8%), average BMI = 30.33. Multiple linear regression determined if socio-demographic and household factors were associated with fruit and vegetable purchases and BMI. Results showed that those who were more likely to limit F&V purchases were not getting enough food to eat (p = 0.009), and males who indicated limited finances (p = 0.043). BMI was negatively associated with participants not getting enough food to eat within the household (p = .04). SNAP recipients, living in food deserts can benefit from public health interventions, policies and education that can influence F&V purchases and likely consumption.