Association between participation in the supplemental nutrition assistance program and perception of limited availability and choice of healthy foods

Abstract

Background: Nutrition security encompasses stable and equitable access, availability, affordability, and utilization of healthy foods. Aim: To evaluate the relationship of two newly created dichotomous measures that represent aspects of nutrition security (i.e., perceived limited availability and healthfulness choice) with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation. Methods: Logistic regression models were run for each outcome separately with adjustment for age, income-to-poverty ratio, gender, education, race, and food security. Results: Adults using social services (e.g., food pantries) were enrolled (N = 402) in this cross-sectional analysis. SNAP participants (61.7%) were not different from non-SNAP participants in perceiving limited availability (aOR [95% CI]: 1.21 [0.75, 1.95]) or limited ability to choose (aOR [95% CI]: 0.69 [0.43, 1.12]) healthy foods. Conclusions: Both SNAP and non-SNAP participants with low socioeconomic status report limited availability of healthy foods in their environment and a limited ability to choose healthy foods.