Nutrition Assistance Research Articles

Addressing Program Sustainability: A Time Series Analysis of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in the US

Food stamps, or, more formally, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), form a crucial support system for many individuals in the United States. The welfare benefit has been associated with improved nutritional outcomes, making it an effective strategy to address hunger. Additionally, it has been found to enhance labour market outcomes for recipients and contribute to higher birth weights among children born to SNAP recipient mothers. Furthermore, it has been linked to improved height and overall health outcomes. Overall, this benefit is a crucial resource during times of need and helps mitigate the adverse effects of economic fluctuations. Even with the manifold advantages of the program, there exist notable apprehensions about the program’s long-term viability. SNAP has experienced significant expansion over more than 50 years. The recipients grew more than 14 times, from approximately 2.9 million individuals in 1969 to over 41 million in 2022. This study utilizes data from the United States Department of Agriculture to investigate the temporal characteristics of this massive expansion. Augmented Dickey-Fuller tests are performed with and without trend and optimally selected lag lengths. In all specifications, the presence of a unit root cannot be rejected. An overwhelming body of evidence suggests that the growth in SNAP beneficiaries may need to be revised. Results of the unit root tests provide credence to the argument that the historical growth rate in the number of SNAP beneficiaries is highly unpredictable and may pose significant challenges to policymakers. This study does not attempt to calculate fraud and abuse in the program. Neither does the study attempt to ascertain the number of beneficiaries that may not be worthy of receiving the benefits.

Sleep Duration Is Associated with Household Food Insecurity and Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake Among Women, Infants and Children Participating Children Ages 0-5.

To determine associations between child and household characteristics and sleep duration among low-income children in Los Angeles County. Cross-sectional study. Survey data collected in 2017 and 2020 in Los Angeles County, California. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) households with children ages 4-60months. Sleep duration for children 4-60months old (less than recommended (LTR), recommended range, more than recommended (MTR)), household food insecurity (HFI), sociodemographics, and daily servings of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). Multinomial logistic regression, stratified by child age, was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between household/child characteristics and LTR or MTR sleep compared to recommended duration among WIC participating children 4-60months old. The final sample included 3512 children ages 4-23months and 6035 children ages 24-60months. In the study population, 32% (3-5years old) to 44% (4-11months) of children under 5 did not meet the recommended hours of sleep per night. HFI was associated with higher odds of LTR (OR 1.27, CI 1.12-1.45) and MTR (OR 1.46, CI 1.15-1.87) sleep among 24-60month-old children. Each additional daily SSB serving was associated with higher odds of LTR sleep (4-23months: OR 1.10, CI 1.02-1.19; 24-59months: OR 1.12, CI 1.08-1.17). HFI and SSB intake are associated with not getting the recommended amount of sleep among low-income WIC participating children. Nutrition assistance program participants may benefit from receiving information about recommended sleep duration for young children and how to establish sleep routines to optimize sleep duration.

Household Food Security Status and Allostatic Load among United States Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015–2020

BackgroundHousehold food insecurity has been linked to adverse health outcomes, but the pathways driving these associations are not well understood. The stress experienced by those in food-insecure households and having to prioritize between food and other essential needs could lead to physiologic dysregulations [i.e., allostatic load (AL)] and, as a result, adversely impact their health. ObjectiveTo assess the association between household food security status and AL and differences by gender, race and ethnicity, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation. MethodsWe used data from 7640 United States adults in the 2015–2016 and 2017–March 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to estimate means and prevalence ratios (PR) for AL scores (based on cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune biomarkers) associated with self-reported household food security status from multivariable linear and logistic regression models. ResultsAdults in marginally food-secure [mean = 3.09, standard error (SE) = 0.10] and food-insecure households (mean = 3.05; SE = 0.08) had higher mean AL than those in food-secure households (mean = 2.70; SE = 0.05). Compared with adults in food-secure households in the same category, those more likely to have an elevated AL included: SNAP participants [PR = 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03, 1.22] and Hispanic women (PR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.37) in marginally food-secure households; and non-Hispanic Black women (PR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.26), men (PR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.26), and non-SNAP non-Hispanic White adults (PR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.39) in food-insecure households. ConclusionsAL may be one pathway by which household food insecurity affects health and may vary by gender, race and ethnicity, and SNAP participation.

Longitudinal Associations of Diet, Food Insecurity, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Use with Global Cognitive Performance in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

BackgroundDiet quality, food access, and food assistance policies may be key modifiable factors related to cognitive decline. ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate whether diet quality, food insecurity, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) use are associated with longitudinal changes in cognition among older adults in the United States. MethodsFood intake data from the Health Care and Nutrition Study were linked with longitudinal health information from 5 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (2012–2020). The analytic sample (n = 6968) included community-dwelling United States adults aged ≥51 y without cognitive impairment. Global cognition was measured using a telephone-based cognitive status interview (range: 0–27). Diet quality was measured with the Healthy Eating Index, using participants’ average intake of 13 dietary components. Questions regarding food access and affordability were used to determine food insecurity and use of SNAP benefits. Linear mixed-effects regression models were used to estimate longitudinal associations between diet-related factors and cognitive score changes. ResultsPoorer diets [β: −0.24; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.33, −0.15], food insecurity (β: −1.08; 95% CI: −1.31, −0.85), and SNAP use (β: −0.57; 95% CI: −0.82, −0.32) were associated with lower baseline cognitive scores. Poorer diets (β: −0.17; 95% CI: −0.29, −0.05) and food insecurity (β: −0.23; 95% CI: −0.47, −0.01) were associated with significantly steeper declines in cognitive scores over time, after 8 and 2 y of follow-up, respectively; however, SNAP use was not significantly associated with the rate of cognitive decline over time. Estimates were qualitatively similar when restricting the sample to participants aged ≥65 y. ConclusionsResults suggest that food access and adherence to healthy diet recommendations may be important elements to maintain cognitive health in aging. SNAP benefits may be insufficient to prevent negative cognitive effects of poor diet and limited access to nutritious foods.

University students’ perception of their dietary behavior through the course of the COVID-19 pandemic: a phenomenological approach

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic mandates that were imposed to curb the spread of disease may have triggered unhealthy dietary behaviors among university students. The current study aims at exploring university students’ perception of their dietary behaviors through the course of the pandemic. Methods The qualitative study is designed using a phenomenological framework. Using convenience and snowball sampling, nine university students were recruited in southeast Texas. Interviews were conducted using an interview guide after receiving verbal consent. The data were analyzed by thematic analysis. Results Three themes were identified. Initially, an increase in consumption of home-cooked meals and frequency of snacking were reported which were associated with emotions including boredom, stress, and homesickness. However, as the students adapted to the pandemic, the frequency of dining and restaurant food consumption increased. Conclusion The findings highlight the urgency for educational institutions to be well-equipped in terms of nutrition assistance during times of crisis.

ADVANCING FOOD EQUITY AMONG OLDER ADULTS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE US

Abstract Older adults and adults with disabilities face challenges related to food insecurity, defined as limited or uncertain access to adequate food due to economic and social conditions. Adults with disabilities have triple the risk of food insecurity than their peers and rates of food insecurity have been rising over the past two decades among older adults and food insecurity is known to be a risk factor for numerous adverse health outcomes. Despite knowledge of disparities, research is needed to identify and test strategies for addressing food insecurity disparities. This symposium will examine mechanisms that may contribute to food insecurity, including local food environments, vision impairment and access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which is the largest food assistance program in the U.S.. National data is used in all three studies to allow population-based inferences to be drawn from study findings. Results have potential to inform our understanding of food equity and advance data-driven policy and programmatic decisions.

THE RELEVANCE OF SNAP PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY FOR FOOD INSECURITY, FOCUSING ON ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES

Abstract Individuals with disabilities are not only more likely than their peers without disabilities to experience food insecurity, but also encounter disproportionate barriers to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment. This study examined associations between state-level measures of SNAP enrollment accessibility (flexibility, efficiency, and accessibility in the enrollment process; and the presence of either broad-based categorical eligibility or the Combined Application Project) with SNAP participation and food insecurity levels among low-income participants (income ≤185% of the poverty threshold) aged ≥15 years in the 2021 Current Population Survey, both overall (n=19,895) and among those with disabilities (n=3,484). In multi-level models adjusted for individual and state characteristics, living in a state with broad-based categorical eligibility was associated with higher rates of SNAP participation among all low-income individuals (b= 0.300, 95% CI: 0.096, 0.505). Among those with disabilities, having greater flexibility in SNAP enrollment (b= 0.141, 95% CI: 0.007, 0.276) and living in a state with the Combined Application Project (b= 0.271, 95% CI: 0.017, 0.525) were associated with a higher likelihood of SNAP participation. Living in a state with more efficient SNAP enrollment was associated with lower food insecurity levels (b= -0.073, 95% CI: -0.136, -0.010) among all low-income individuals and having broad-based categorical eligibility was associated with lower food insecurity levels (b= -0.237, 95% CI: -0.451, -0.022) among those with disabilities. These findings highlight the importance of SNAP program accessibility to address food insecurity among all low-income Americans and suggest that enrollment barriers may differ for people with and without disabilities.

A LONGITUDINAL STUDY ON SNAP PARTICIPATION AND SELF-REPORTED HEALTH AMONG DIABETIC AND NON-DIABETIC INDIVIDUALS

Abstract Self-reported health is a strong predictor of future health status, new morbidity, mobility decline, illness recovery, and healthcare utilization. Because self-reported health is rooted in social position and social comparison, it dually reflects individual health perceptions and health inequities, especially among those who experience a social struggle for resources. Food insecurity is associated with higher risk of chronic diseases and higher mortality rates. Interventions such as the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) were created to help address food insecurity. Although morbidity and mortality risks caused by food insecurity is exacerbated for those with nutrition-centered chronic disease, such as diabetes, limited research has assessed the impact of food insecurity and SNAP participation on health among diabetics. Using Health and Retirement Study data, we explore the effect of SNAP participation and food insecurity on the likelihood of reporting fair or poor health comparing 24,446 diabetes to 69,260 non-diabetics individuals aged 65 and above (2004-2020). Our analysis controls for key socioeconomic factors, including age, gender, race/ethnicity, and wealth, accounting for the complex design of HRS. Our key findings reveal that food insecure diabetics have significantly higher odds of reporting fair/poor health, and diabetic SNAP participants also had significantly higher odds of reporting fair/poor health. Our study demonstrates how food insecurity and diabetes concurrently influence health and how, despite the presence of resources, such as SNAP, there was no improvement in self-reported health. This study is important as it highlights the need for future research on the effects of SNAP participation and self-reported health.

The association of safety-net program participation with government perceptions, welfare stigma, and discrimination.

Safety-net programs in the United States offered critical support to counter food insecurity and poverty during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) are both means-tested programs with significant benefits. Take-up of SNAP and EITC is lower in California than nationwide and reasons for this difference are unclear. We examined associations of participation in SNAP and receipt of the EITC and perceptions of the US government, 2 types of welfare stigma (program stigma and social stigma), and perceived discrimination. We interviewed a sample of 497 caregivers of young children from families with low income in California during the COVID-19 pandemic (August 2020-May 2021). We found that participation in SNAP (odds ratio [OR] = 1.24 [1.05, 1.47]) and receiving the EITC (OR = 1.39 [1.05, 1.84]) were both associated with greater reported perceptions of social stigma, but not with perceptions of government, program stigma, or discrimination. Among food-insecure respondents, we found that participation in SNAP was additionally associated with program stigma and discrimination. These findings suggest that perceived social stigma may be a reason that people with low income may not participate in programs for which they are eligible.

AGING WELL: OLDER ADULTS AND DATA MAPPING

Abstract This presentation will feature how the National Council on Aging (NCOA) has advanced a program of work on data mapping and visualization. It will explain how this work is part of NCOA’s mission to improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are struggling. Guided by the idea that how we age should not be determined by gender, color, sexuality, income, or zip code, the mapping tools display area-level data to highlight different aspects of the lives of low-income older adults. This presentation will describe two of NCOA’s mapping tools and how they can influence policy and advocacy efforts toward aging equity at the local, regional, state, and national levels. The first tool, released in 2021, displays, in part, area-level access to smartphones and high-speed internet among low-income older adults. This map makes visible the invisible by demonstrating low rates of access even in geo-spatial areas with overall high levels of connectivity. The second tool, to be released in the third quarter of 2023, presents sub-state level data to identify gaps between area-level eligibility for each of three essential benefit programs [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)], Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medicare Savings Program (MSP)] and area-level enrollment rates. This map demonstrates how socio-spatial positions influence access to these national benefits, and how maps can be used to identify regions and communities to prioritize as part of strategic efforts to improve benefit access and promote aging equity.

NUTRITIONAL ADDITION TO INCREASING THE WEIGHT OF PREGNANT WOMEN WITH CHRONIC ENERGY DEFICIENCY IN THE COASTAL AREA OF KENDARI CITY

Background: Chronic energy deficiency in pregnant women is a problem of nutritional deficiency characterized by upper arm circumference < 23.5 cm, and has an impact on pregnancy complications, risk of giving birth to babies with low birth weight, so nutritional assistance is needed. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of nutritional assistance on the weight of pregnant women. Chronic energy deficiency Methods: This type of research is a quasi-experiment, two group pretest-posttest design with control. The sample was pregnant women in the coastal area of Kendari City, 35 cases and 35 controls using purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using the Mann Whitney test Results: The average body weight of the intervention group before nutritional assistance was 50.95 kg and after assistance was 57.86 cm. Meanwhile, the average weight of the control group was 62.67 kg and after assistance it was 71.09 kg. The results of the Mann Whitney test obtained a p value of 0.000, so there is an influence of nutritional assistance on the weight of pregnant women. Conclusion: Nutritional assistance can increase the weight of pregnant women. Chronic energy deficiency in the coastal area of Kendari city.

"I don't want an App to do the work for me": A Qualitative Study on the Perception of Online Grocery Shopping from Small Food Retailers

BackgroundSmall food retailers often stock energy-dense convenience foods and are ubiquitous in low-income urban settings. With the rise in e-commerce, little is known about the acceptability of online grocery shopping from small food retailers. ObjectiveTo explore perceptions of the role of small food retailers (bodegas) in food access and the acceptability of online grocery shopping from bodegas among customers and owners in a diverse NYC urban neighborhood with low-income. DesignIn-depth interviews were conducted with bodega owners and adult customers between May-July 2022. Participants/settingBodega owners who had either implemented a locally designed online grocery system (n=4) or not (n=2). Customers (n=25) were recruited through purposive sampling and eligible if they purchased at bodegas ( > once/month), had low-income (household income ≤ 130% of the federal poverty level or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants), and owned smartphones. Analyses performedAll interviews were transcribed and analyzed in MAXQDA using grounded theory. ResultsTo owners and customers, bodegas were seen as good neighbors providing culturally appropriate foods and an informal financial safety net. Their perceptions concerning food cost and availability of healthy foods in bodegas diverged. Although most perceived online grocery from bodegas as a positive community resource, they also believed it was not suited to their own community due to the bodega’s proximity to customers' homes and the low digital literacy of some community members. Customers reported social norms of pride in not using online grocery shopping. Owners and customers believed the service would more likely be used if government benefits like SNAP allowed payment for online orders. Both suggested improved outreach to increase program awareness and uptake. ConclusionsOnline grocery shopping from small food retailers may be acceptable in urban communities with low-income and was perceived as a community resource. However, important barriers need to be addressed such as social norms related to pride in not using online grocery services, digital literacy, program awareness, and allowing SNAP payment for online orders from bodegas.

Food insecurity is associated with chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain in the USA.

This study evaluated whether food insecurity (US Adult Food Security Survey) was associated with chronic pain (≥ 3 months) and high-impact chronic pain (i.e. pain that limits work and life) among US adults. Cross-sectional analysis. Nationally representative sample of non-institutionalised adults in the USA. 79 686 adults from the National Health Interview Survey (2019-2021). Marginal, low and very low food security were associated with increased prevalence odds of chronic pain (OR: 1·58 (95 % CI 1·44, 1·72), 2·28 (95 % CI 2·06, 2·52) and 3·37 (95 % CI 3·01, 3·78), respectively) and high-impact chronic pain (OR: 1·28 (95 % CI 1·14, 1·42), 1·55 (95 % CI 1·37, 1·75) and 1·90 (95 % CI 1·65, 2·18), respectively) in a dose-response fashion (P-trend < 0·0001 for both), adjusted for sociodemographic, socio-economic and clinically relevant factors. Participation in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and age modified the association between food insecurity and chronic pain. These findings illustrate the impact of socio-economic factors on chronic pain and suggest that food insecurity may be a social determinant of chronic pain. Further research is needed to better understand the complex relationship between food insecurity and chronic pain and to identify targets for interventions. Moreover, the consideration of food insecurity in the clinical assessment of pain and pain-related conditions among socio-economically disadvantaged adults may be warranted.

Pediatric Sepsis Diagnosis, Management, and Sub-phenotypes.

Sepsis and septic shock are major causes of morbidity, mortality, and health care costs for children worldwide, including >3 million deaths annually and, among survivors, risk for new or worsening functional impairments, including reduced quality of life, new respiratory, nutritional, or technological assistance, and recurrent severe infections. Advances in understanding sepsis pathophysiology highlight a need to update the definition and diagnostic criteria for pediatric sepsis and septic shock, whereas new data support an increasing role for automated screening algorithms and biomarker combinations to assist earlier recognition. Once sepsis or septic shock is suspected, attention to prompt initiation of broad-spectrum empiric antimicrobial therapy, fluid resuscitation, and vasoactive medications remain key components to initial management with several new and ongoing studies offering new insights into how to optimize this approach. Ultimately, a key goal is for screening to encompass as many children as possible at risk for sepsis and trigger early treatment without increasing unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotics and preventable hospitalizations. Although the role for adjunctive treatment with corticosteroids and other metabolic therapies remains incompletely defined, ongoing studies will soon offer updated guidance for optimal use. Finally, we are increasingly moving toward an era in which precision therapeutics will bring novel strategies to improve outcomes, especially for the subset of children with sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and sepsis subphenotypes for whom antibiotics, fluid, vasoactive medications, and supportive care remain insufficient.

Exploring Sociodemographic and Chronic Disease Factors Associated With Chronic, Seasonal, Intramonthly, and Intermittent Presentations of Food Security Instability

BackgroundFood insecurity impacts 13.5 million US households yearly. Although food security instability (FS-I) can have many temporal presentations, these are not measured in the current US Household Food Security Survey Module. ObjectiveExplore sociodemographic and chronic disease correlates of 4 FS-I types (chronic, seasonal, intramonthly, and intermittent) using a 3-item US Household Food Security Survey Module instability supplement. DesignThis study was a secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey pilot data collected to validate the US Household Food Security Survey Module instability supplement. Participants and settingAdults at risk for food insecurity (n = 420) were recruited and answered the survey on their households’ behalf from April to June 2021. The participants were recruited from 7 community organizations from 5 states (California, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, and Washington). Main outcome measuresThe main outcomes were the odds of having a chronic, seasonal, intramonthly, or intermittent FS-I score ≥1 based on several sociodemographic factors and having ≥1 chronic disease. Statistical analyses performedDifferences among the 4 FS-I types were analyzed using contingency tables and χ2 tests of independence. Then, mixed-effects logistic binary and conditional regressions were run for each FS-I type using clustering by state and odds ratios and 95% CI to interpret results. ResultsThe most common FS-I type experienced by the sample was intramonthly (n = 183 [43%]). Nonchronic food insecurity was most likely to happen during the winter, at the end of the month, or randomly with no certain time frame. FS-I in any form was associated with low income, chronic FS-I was associated with younger age and male sex, seasonal FS-I was associated with having no government-subsidized health insurance and females, intramonthly FS-I was associated with participation in nutrition assistance programs, and intermittent FS-I had lower odds among Hispanic/Latino households. ConclusionsFurther research is needed to explore other FS-I correlates and establish causative relationships; however, these results can be used with clinical judgment for targeted food insecurity screening and treatment.

Effects of Inclusion of Food Purchase Restrictions and Incentives in a Food Benefit Program on Diet Quality and Food Purchasing: Results From a Randomized Trial

BackgroundThere is interest in reshaping the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to better support family nutrition. ObjectiveThe Grocery Assistance Program Study (GAPS) for Families evaluated the effects of prohibiting using program funds for the purchase of certain sugary foods on the nutritional quality of foods purchased and consumed by program participants. DesignA randomized experimental trial was carried out with participants randomized to one of three food benefit conditions. Baseline and follow-up measures collected included interviewer-administered 24-hour dietary recalls, food purchase receipts, food security, height, and weight. Participant/settingAdult–child dyads in households eligible for SNAP but currently not enrolled were recruited from the Minneapolis/St Paul MN metropolitan area from May of 2018 through May of 2019. A total of 293 adult–child dyads received the intervention as allocated. Of these dyads, 233 adults completed follow-up measures and met criteria for inclusion in the analytic sample, resulting in an attrition rate of 20.5%. A total of 224 children completed follow-up measures and met criteria for inclusion in the analytic sample, resulting in an attrition rate of 23.5%. InterventionParticipants were randomized to 1 of 3 conditions: restriction (not allowed to buy sugar-sweetened beverages [SSB], sweet baked goods, or candy with program funds); restriction paired with incentive (30% incentive for fruits and vegetables [FV] purchased with funds); and control (funds provided with no restrictions or incentives). Funds were provided on a 4-week cycle for 20 weeks via a study-provided debit card. Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 total score. Additional outcomes included selected HEI-2015 component scores; energy intake; food security; body weight; and purchasing of SSB, sweet baked goods, candies, fruits, and vegetables. Statistical analysisLinear regression analyses were conducted with change in the outcome regressed on treatment condition for the primary outcome analyses. ResultsNo differences were observed between conditions in change in the nutrition and food security measures examined. Purchases of SSB and sweet baked goods and candies significantly differed by experimental condition. Purchase of restricted foods was lower at follow-up in the restriction and restriction paired with incentive conditions compared with the control condition. For example, spending on SSB at follow-up was significantly lower in the restriction ($2.66/week) and restriction paired with incentive ($2.06/week) conditions in comparison with control condition ($4.44/week) (P < 0.0003 and P < 0.0001, respectively). ConclusionsThis study failed to find evidence in support of prohibiting the purchase of sugary foods with food program funds as a strategy to improve program participant nutrition, even when paired with an FV incentive. Research carried out in the context of the SNAP program is needed for a more robust evidence base.

SNAP-Ed Programming for College Students Experiencing Food Insecurity: A Qualitative Process-Focused Evaluation

BackgroundGrowing recognition of food insecurity experienced by college students has led to efforts on college campuses to provide students with food assistance benefits and related nutrition education. A Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education (SNAP-Ed) program was developed for college students as one of these efforts. ObjectiveTo explore program content, recruitment, and implementation through experiences of program implementers in a novel SNAP-Ed intervention among college students. DesignThis qualitative study used focus groups and a case study approach to elicit program implementers’ experiences delivering SNAP-Ed to college students. Participants/settingStudents, staff, and faculty (n = 26) implementing SNAP-Ed with college students experiencing food insecurity across eight campuses in the California State University system participated in 8 focus groups in 2021–2022. Main outcome measuresA process evaluation framework was used to evaluate content fit and orientation; recruitment, retention, and reach; and structure and capacity for implementation. Analyses performedFocus groups were recorded, transcribed, and coded via thematic analysis using NVivo (QSR International, Burlington, MA). ResultsFive themes were identified: (1) need for this work to extend college-based basic needs services; (2) importance of aligning programming with college student context/needs; (3) common factors important for attracting/engaging the audience; (4) program barriers; and (5) training/team sharing for extending ideas. ConclusionsStudy findings suggest tailoring SNAP-Ed programming to the needs of college students experiencing food insecurity, such as integrating student-relevant cooking skills, recipes, and topics of interest. Additional intervention and research efforts may lead to a new model for serving college students with SNAP-Ed.

Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs and Adolescent Food Insecurity: A Complicated Picture.

Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs and Adolescent Food Insecurity: A Complicated Picture.

Making Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Enrollment Easier for Gig Workers.

Making Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Enrollment Easier for Gig Workers.

Feeding the Needy through Feedback – A Systems Dynamics Analysis of New Jersey’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Social welfare initiatives in the United States strive to help as many people as possible with limited resources and within budgetary constraints. One such program is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), colloquially known as food stamps, which provides income to people in need so they can purchase groceries. Although well-intended, critics of SNAP question not only its efficiency but also its efficacy due to its lack of access and inability to provide adequate benefits to its participants (Oliveira et al., 2018). This study models SNAP using systems dynamics, allowing us to examine these concerns and, when warranted, develop potential solutions. Specifically, we leverage the software Vensim to simulate New Jersey’s SNAP. Our findings suggest SNAP should focus its efforts on reaching the eligible population versus the program. These results are not merely academic; they are potentially actionable, as they can be used to reallocate existing funding.