Incentive Programs to Address the Challenges of Hunger, Undernutrition, and Obesity in the United States

Abstract

Across the world, many people remain food insecure, and unhealthy dietary patterns are driving up health costs. Solutions to these problems will impact food production and water scarcity. This chapter reviews the history of government interventions to improve food security and nutrition in the United States, which have enjoyed a “broad coalition” of support over seven decades. More recently, nutrition incentive programs have emerged, aiming to increase purchases and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables by low-income consumers who benefit from the federal nutrition programs. This chapter explores the development and programmatic success of nutrition incentives, impacts on consumers’ food security and nutrition, impacts on farmers and farmers’ markets, and potential contributions to shifting dietary patterns. As they mature, evolve, and scale, nutrition interventions may deliver shorter supply chains, increase fruit and vegetable consumption, and contribute to a shift toward more sustainable and nutritious foods.