Intra‐month Availability of Sugar‐Sweetened Beverages (SSB) in the Homes of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Preschoolers

Abstract

Food availability is greater in SNAP homes at beginning of the SNAP cycle. Study hypothesis: Household availability of SSB will not differ during the beginning (baseline) or the end of the month (follow‐up) among homes participating only in SNAP and those not receiving assistance (non‐SNAP). Low‐income minority mothers of preschoolers (28 SNAP; 75 non‐SNAP) provided demographics and information on the availability of SSB in the home via a quantitative beverage inventory administered at baseline and follow‐up. Analysis was conducted using Wilcoxon and Kruskal‐Wallis tests. Compared to non‐SNAP homes, SNAP homes had a greater availability of SSB at baseline (Median Δ=184 fl. oz; P<0.001). Among SNAP homes, SSB availability was greater at baseline than at follow‐up (Median Δ=137.5 fl. oz; P<0.001). Among non‐SNAP homes, SSB availability also decreased between baseline and follow‐up (Median Δ=30 fl. oz; P<0.001). The difference in SSB availability from baseline to follow‐up between SNAP and non‐SNAP homes was significant (Median Δ=107.5 fl.oz; P<0.001). Consistent with the SNAP cycle, SNAP homes had greater availability of SSB early than late in the month. Although non‐SNAP homes followed a similar trajectory and considerably less availability of SSB was observed at both times, high household availability of SSB was found in both groups regardless of SNAP participation. Type of foods purchased throughout the SNAP cycle need to be investigated to understand fluctuation and allocation of resources in SNAP homes.