Food Insecurity among Cancer Patients Enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Abstract

Purpose: Food insecurity, which leads to adverse health outcomes, has even more severe implications for cancer patients. Yet medically underserved cancer patients are more likely to be food insecure than the general population.Methods: This study is a cross-sectional analysis of intake data from patients who participated in the Integrated Cancer Care Access Network (ICCAN). ICCAN is a specialized program that addresses socioeconomic barriers to cancer care among underserved cancer patients in NYC. This study utilized ICCAN data from 2011 to 2017. The USDA food insecurity score, self-reported SNAP receipt, and SNAP eligibility based on household income were compared between SNAP and non-SNAP recipients.Results: 681 patients were assessed for food insecurity. Sixty-nine percent of participants lived in food insecure households. Despite SNAP assistance, most SNAP recipients (68%) were food insecure; 69% of respondents who did not receive SNAP were also food insecure.Conclusions: Underserved cancer patients who receive SNAP are still food insecure, hence at more significant risk for its associated negative outcomes. Supplemental programs for patients with chronic diseases are needed in clinics with large low income populations. SNAP benefits should account for the additional financial burden posed by treatment costs and exceptional circumstances faced by cancer patients.