SNAP Participants Research Articles

Rural–Urban Differences in SNAP Participation in Pennsylvania Counties

Rural–Urban Differences in SNAP Participation in Pennsylvania Counties

SNAP Participation and Diet Quality Among American Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of NHANES Data

SNAP Participation and Diet Quality Among American Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of NHANES Data

Sociodemographic Disparities in SNAP Participation Among Hawaii Households: Findings From the Children's Healthy Living Program

Sociodemographic Disparities in SNAP Participation Among Hawaii Households: Findings From the Children's Healthy Living Program

Food Insecurity and Nutrition Insecurity Predicts Diet Quality in a National Sample of SNAP Participants

Food Insecurity and Nutrition Insecurity Predicts Diet Quality in a National Sample of SNAP Participants

Double Up Food Bucks Heartland: A Qualitative Analysis of a Bi-State Nutrition Incentive Program for SNAP Participants

Double Up Food Bucks Heartland: A Qualitative Analysis of a Bi-State Nutrition Incentive Program for SNAP Participants

Administrative checkpoints, burdens, and human‐centered design: Increasing interview access to raise SNAP participation

Abstract In this study we describe the potential of human‐centered design principles to identify burdens, reducing the effects of administrative checkpoints. Administrative checkpoints—mandatory requirements that must be satisfied in order to progress in an administrative process—have disproportionate negative effects in excluding the public from receiving public services. Mandatory interviews are one such checkpoint. Based on consultation with safety net clients and caseworkers, we designed a field experiment (N = 1,554) to minimize the exclusionary effects of mandatory interviews for SNAP applicants. Compared to a control group that received a traditional mailer reminder, SNAP applicants who also received texts reminding them of the interview and communicating flexible “interview anytime” scheduling options had a higher interview completion rate by 10 percentage points, a higher benefit‐approval rate by 6 to 7 percentage points, and also completed interviews 3 to 4 days sooner. Follow‐up surveys show that the text reminders reduced learning costs about the interview requirement and increased applicant confidence about their ability to manage the process.

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Associations Between SNAP Participation and Diet Quality Among California College Students

ABSTRACT College students have been shown to have low-quality diets. A total of 2,362 likely SNAP eligible college students were surveyed across 15 California campuses in this cross-sectional study. Compared to SNAP recipients, likely eligible non-recipients had higher odds of consuming fast food and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and lower odds of consuming fruits and vegetables (F&Vs) in adjusted models. Income-ineligible non-recipients had higher odds of consuming fast food and SSBs, and lower odds of consuming F&Vs, compared to SNAP recipients. Receiving SNAP benefits was associated with positive dietary patterns; however, more work is needed to improve students’ dietary quality.

How Were Extra SNAP Benefits Spent?

SNAP has broad reach and assists low-income households substantially with their food purchases. Figure 1 shows the monthly number of SNAP participants in Panel A and distributed benefits per household since 2019 in Panel B. The early substantial drop, both in participation and benefits, marks the disruption due to the government shutdown, which caused most of the February 2019 benefits to be distributed early in January 2019.2Participation in SNAP increased at the beginning of the pandemic—4 million more people enrolled from February to April in 2020—and has remained around the same level since.

Medicaid expansion and participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: The role of Integrated Eligibility Systems

Abstract Evidence suggests the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion may increase participation in other public programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This study examines a potential mechanism behind these effects. Before the expansion, most states operated Integrated Eligibility Systems that managed enrollment processes for various public programs. In 2014, many states decoupled Medicaid from these platforms following Medicaid's new eligibility criteria. This research examines the impact of Medicaid expansion on integrated systems and SNAP participation, finding higher SNAP participation rates in states with uninterrupted Integrated Eligibility Systems compared to those that delinked their systems or never had such systems.

Food and Nutrition Insecurity Among SNAP Participants in Two New England States

Food and Nutrition Insecurity Among SNAP Participants in Two New England States

Associations Between Food Insufficiency, SNAP Participation Status, and Variability of Nutritional Status in Older Adults: A 10-Year Longitudinal Study

Associations Between Food Insufficiency, SNAP Participation Status, and Variability of Nutritional Status in Older Adults: A 10-Year Longitudinal Study

0863 Sleep Regularity and Cardiovascular Health Among U.S. Adults

Abstract Introduction Connections between sleep and cardiovascular risk and health are reported in adults. The sleep regularity index (SRI), a measure of day-to-day variability in sleep-wake times, has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular risk in older adults. The connection between SRI and cardiovascular health, the American Heart Association (AHA) derived concept of positive health promotion across the lifespan, has yet to be reported. The aim of this work is to investigate associations between SRI and cardiovascular risk and health. Methods Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014 data in US adults aged 40-75 years of age who are free of cardiovascular disease, the SRI was calculated from actigraphy across seven days using the ActiGraph model GT3X+, manufactured by ActiGraph of Pensacola, FL. Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) and Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) scores were calculated based on AHA. The 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) was calculated using the pooled cohort equations defined by the American College of Cardiology/AHA guidelines. The four-year interview weight was used for all complex sample analyses. SPSS complex sample general linear models were used to assess the association between SRI, ASCVD score, LE8, LS7, and demographic variables. Results Among the NHANES sample (n=5589; 52.8 % female; mean age = 54.5, SE = 0.17), the mean SRI score was 63.0 (SE = 0.52), the average ASCVD score was 0.12 (SE = .003), the mean LE8 and LS7 scores were 57.1 (SE = 0.46) and 6.6 (SE = 0.04). SRI was not significantly related to ASCVD score (β = -0.001, p = .062). Individuals with higher SRI scores reported higher LE8 (β = 0.265, p < .001) and LS7 (β = 0.035, p < .001) scores. After controlling for gender, race ethnicity, household food security, and SNAP participation status, SRI remained as a significant predictor to LE8 (β = 0.219, p < .001) and LS7 (β = 0.029, p <.001 Conclusion Among U.S. adults aged 40 to 75 years of age, sleep regularity is positively associated with cardiovascular health. Support (if any)

Paid-Leave Availability and Public Health and Nutrition Program Participation Following a Birth in the U.S.

This study examines the relationships between state-provided paid-leave availability and enrollment in public health and nutrition programs (SNAP, Medicaid, WIC) among single low-income women following a birth in the U.S. We hypothesize that women in paid leave states will be less likely to participate in publicly available health and nutrition programs. Data are from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), a nationally representative panel survey data set (N = 1168). Descriptive tests of significance and probit regression models are used to examine the relationship between paid-leave availability and participation in SNAP, Medicaid, and WIC following a birth. A descriptive analysis suggests significantly lower enrollment in SNAP but not Medicaid or WIC for single low-income women in paid-leave states compared to those in non-paid-leave states. The finding of significantly lower post-birth SNAP participation in paid-leave states holds in probit models that include potentially relevant mother, household, and state controls.

Availability and Quality of Healthy Foods Vary by Store Participation in SNAP and WIC in Low-Income California Neighborhoods

ABSTRACT Between 2015–2017, California local health departments assessed the retail environment in a convenience sample of small markets and convenience stores in low-income neighborhoods. This study examined differences in availability and quality of healthy foods and the physical retail environment by retailer participation in SNAP and WIC and by store type. Among 731 stores, we found that SNAP + WIC stores offered the greatest availability of healthy foods, high-quality produce, and healthful exterior marketing. Select associations were stronger among convenience stores than for small markets. Policy levers to incentivize SNAP and WIC participation among retailers can improve the neighborhood food environment.

Food Insecurity, Challenges, and Strategies among New Mexicans Experiencing Job Disruptions during COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic affected health, the economy, and the food system across the United States (U.S.). This cross-sectional study examined the impacts of household income and job loss on food insecurity and food-related challenges among a sample of New Mexico residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study was conducted by fielding an online survey from May through June 2020. Study participants were recruited via convenience sampling to complete a survey that included questions assessing job and/or household income loss, food insecurity, food-related challenges and worries, and strategies for acquiring food during COVID-19. The analysis included a series of multivariable logistic regressions that estimated the impact of household income and job loss on food insecurity, food-related worry and challenges, and strategies used to acquire enough food and food sources. Nine hundred and fifty-four respondents were included in the analysis. Results: Compared to no job disruption, job loss increased the odds of experiencing food insecurity, two out of three food-related challenges, food-related worry, participation in SNAP, and use of most (six out of eight) strategies to obtain enough food. Compared to no job disruption, a reduction in household income significantly increased the odds of experiencing food insecurity, all three food-related challenges, food-related worry, utilization of group meal services, growing their own food, and use of most (six out of eight) strategies to obtain enough food. Conclusion: Future research should continue to examine the economic impacts of COVID-19 on food access. Lessons learned during the pandemic can inform policy responses to future public health emergencies.

P21-007-23 Effects of the 2021 Thrifty Food Plan Benefit Increase on SNAP Participants’ Short-Term Food Security and Health Outcomes

P21-007-23 Effects of the 2021 Thrifty Food Plan Benefit Increase on SNAP Participants’ Short-Term Food Security and Health Outcomes

OR23-02-23 SNAP Participation Among Older Adults: Challenges Applying for and Using SNAP Benefits

OR23-02-23 SNAP Participation Among Older Adults: Challenges Applying for and Using SNAP Benefits

US states' racial bias correlates with less SNAP participation by “undeserving poor” adults and lower unemployment benefit maximums

Abstract The present study assessed whether Whites' anti‐African American bias correlates with states placing greater emphasis on work incentives in two government assistance programs. The study regressed the representation of “able‐bodied adults without dependents” in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP, also known as food stamps) and maximum unemployment benefits on White residents' implicit and explicit bias, while controlling for key economic and sociopolitical covariates. Findings indicate that states with greater bias had proportionally fewer SNAP‐designated “Able‐Bodied Adults Without Dependents” and states with greater implicit and explicit bias had lower unemployment benefit maximums. Due to Whites' anti‐African American bias, persons of all races and ethnicities who otherwise might benefit from public assistance are exposed to food insecurity and lesser financial support when unemployed.

Editor's note

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Association Between Material Hardship in Families With Young Children and Federal Relief Program Participation by Race and Ethnicity and Maternal Nativity

Even brief periods of hardship during early childhood may have lifelong consequences. Prior cross-sectional research limited to respondents with English proficiency and internet access during the COVID-19 crisis documented families with young children that struggled to afford basic needs like food and rent. Few studies have examined experiences of families with young children by race and ethnicity and maternal nativity. To examine the association of COVID-19 relief programs with the mitigation of household food insecurity among families with young children, as well as being behind on rent and disparities in program receipt. This cohort study used data from the ongoing repeat cross-sectional Children's HealthWatch study comprising families surveyed at baseline (January 1, 2018, to March 20, 2020) and during the COVID-19 crisis (September 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021). Baseline questionnaires were administered face to face to caregivers of children aged 48 months or younger in English or Spanish in emergency departments or primary care clinics in 5 US cities. The follow-up questionnaires were administered via telephone. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation or receipt of at least 1 Economic Impact Payment (EIP; ie, stimulus check) during the COVID-19 crisis. The primary outcomes were household food insecurity (assessed via the US Household Food Security Survey Module: Six-Item Short Form) and being behind on rent. Logistic and binomial regression models were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs). Of 1396 caregiver-child dyads (20.3% response rate), race and ethnicity data were available for 1357 caregivers: 514 (37.9%) were Black, non-Latino; 558 (41.1%) were Latino; 230 (16.9%) were White, non-Latino; and 55 (4.1%) were of other non-Latino race or ethnicity. Among 1390 responses with nonmissing data, 417 children (30.0%) had an immigrant mother, and among 1388 responses, 1238 (33.5%) were publicly insured. During the crisis, 467 of 1395 respondents (33.5%) reported household food insecurity, and 567 of 1391 respondents (40.8%) reported being behind on rent. Families with immigrant mothers had lower odds of EIP and SNAP participation than families with US-born mothers (eg, aOR, 0.07 [95% CI, 0.05-0.12] for both EIP and SNAP vs neither), despite being more likely to report household food insecurity (adjusted PR [aPR], 1.48 [95% CI, 1.28-1.71]) and being behind on rent (aPR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.00-1.30]). Families with Black (unadjusted PR [uPR], 1.40 [95% CI, 1.08-1.82]) or Latino (uPR, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.19-1.98]) caregivers or caregivers of other race and ethnicity (uPR, 1.67 [1.12-2.49]) were also more likely than families with White, non-Latino caregivers to experience household food insecurity or being behind on rent (families with Black caregivers: uPR, 2.02 [95% CI, 1.58-2.58]; families with Latino caregivers: 1.68 [95% CI, 1.30-2.16]; families with caregivers of other race or ethnicity: uPR, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.34-2.80]). Adjustment for covariates and differential participation in relief programs did not entirely account for these disparities. The results of this cohort study suggest that the COVID-19 crisis exacerbated preexisting inequities in food insecurity and difficulty paying rent according to race and ethnicity and maternal nativity and that equity-focused policy changes are needed to ensure that all children and their families in the US can afford basic needs for optimal health.