Few Changes in Food Security and Dietary Intake From Short-term Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Among Low-income Massachusetts Adults

作者：Leung Cindy W^*; Cluggish Sarah; Villamor Eduardo; Catalano Paul J; Willett Walter C; Rimm Eric B

来源：Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 2014, 46(1): 68-74.

DOI：10.1016/j.jneb.2013.10.001

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• food security
• diet quality
• Alternate Healthy Eating Index
• food stamps

Objective: To examine whether short-term participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) affects food security and dietary quality among low-income adults recruited from a Massachusetts-wide emergency food hotline.
Methods: A 3-month, longitudinal study was conducted among 107 adults recruited at the time of SNAP application assistance. Outcomes included household food security (10-item US Department of Agriculture Food Security Survey Module), dietary intake (eg, grains, fruit) and diet quality (modified Alternate Healthy Eating Index). Data were analyzed using paired t tests and multivariable linear regression.
Results: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participation was not associated with improved household food security over 3 months (P=.25). Compared with non-participants, SNAP participants increased refined grain intake by 1.1 serving/d (P=.02), from baseline to follow-up. No associations were observed with other foods, nutrients, or dietary quality.
Conclusion and Implications: Policies that simultaneously improve household food security and dietary quality should be implemented to support the health of low-income Americans participating in this crucial program.

• 出版日期2014-1