The Role of SNAP in Home Food Availability and Dietary Intake among WIC Participants Facing Unstable Housing.

Abstract

Little nutrition research has been conducted among families with unstable housing. The objective of this study was to examine the role of food stamps (i.e., Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; SNAP) in home food availability and dietary intake among WIC families who experienced unstable housing. Cross-sectional study among vulnerable families. Low-income, multiethnic families with children participating in WIC (n=54). Dietary intake was assessed with 24-hr recalls. Home food availability was assessed with an adapted home food inventory for low-income, multiethnic families. Validation results from adapted home food inventory for these families are also reported. SNAP households had more foods than non-SNAP households; few significant associations were observed between food availability and child dietary intake. With few exceptions, the home food environment was not related to children's dietary intake among these vulnerable families. More research is needed on food access for families facing unstable housing.