Participation in government nutrition assistance programs and purchase of sugar‐sweetened beverages of low‐income mothers of preschool children (806.8)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of purchasing sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSB) with low‐income mothers of preschool children participating in government assistance programs such as Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Participants (n=110) provided demographics, purchase frequency of SSB’s for themselves and family members, and responded to a short home beverage inventory. In adjusted models, a logistic regression analysis showed the odds for purchasing SSB increased when one adult lived in the home compared to three or more adults (aOR 11.64, 95%CI 1.012‐133.88), among mothers not participating in WIC (aOR 10.55, 95%CI 1.83‐60.90), and decreased among mothers not participating in SNAP (aOR 0.11, 95%CI 0.02‐0.75) (p<.05). Additionally, chi‐square analyses found there were significant differences in spouse/partner purchases of sports drinks, “big shop” after receiving SNAP benefits, WIC participation, and spouse/partner and children influence on maternal purchase of beverages between SNAP and non‐SNAP participants (p<.05). Participation in SNAP, but not in WIC, was associated with higher likelihood of purchasing SSB, suggesting the need for policies and educational messaging that may help improve dietary quality of low‐income families participating in SNAP.