6 The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is the largest government assistance program in the United States and seeks to alleviate food insecurity in US households. 1,3–5 In 2012, approximately 14.5% of US households (17.6 million households) experienced food insecurity, of whom 5.7% (7.0 million households) experienced very low food security (i.e., reduction in food intake). 2 In addition, food insecurity has been shown to diminish dietary quality and affect nutritional intake and has been associated with chronic morbidity (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypertension) and weight gain. Our research highlights the role of SNAP in helping individuals who are at risk for food insecurity to obtain a healthier diet and better weight status.įood insecurity, broadly defined as having limited access to adequate food, 1 is associated with increased stress levels and reduced overall well-being. Associations between SNAP participation and improved diet and weight were stronger among Whites than Blacks and Hispanics.Ĭonclusions. SNAP participants with marginal (3.46 points P < .01), low (1.98 points P < .05), and very low (3.84 points P < .01) food security had better diets, as illustrated by the Healthy Eating Index. SNAP participants with marginal food security had lower BMI (1.83 kg/m 2 P < .01) and lower probability of obesity (9 percentage points P < .05). Measures of dietary quality were the Healthy Eating Index 2010, total caloric intake, empty calories, and solid fat weight measures were body mass index (BMI), overweight, and obesity. Bivariate and multivariable methods assessed associations of SNAP participation and 4 levels of food security with diet and weight. We analyzed adult dietary intake data (n = 8333) from the 2003 to 2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We examined whether Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation changes associations between food insecurity, dietary quality, and weight among US adults.
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