Studies suggest that participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—the largest federal nutrition assistance program in the U.S.—may be associated with suboptimal dietary patterns among adults, but these associations have not been extensively examined among children. This paper discusses the results of a study that examined the overall dietary quality among a national sample of lower-income children and whether differences were present by SNAP participation in overweight and obesity status; consumption of foods and nutrients; and overall dietary quality. Findings from the study suggest that SNAP participation was not associated with a higher rate of childhood overweight or obesity, but the diets of all lower-income children are far from meeting national dietary recommendations.
Associations of Food Stamp Participation with Dietary Quality and Obesity in Children
Published: March 2013
ID #: CAS006
Journal: Pediatrics
Authors: Leung CW, Blumenthal SJ, Hoffnagle EE, et al
State: National
Age Groups: Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5), Elementary-age children (grades K to 5), Young adolescents (grades 6 to 8), Adolescents (grades 9 to 12)
Race/Ethnicity: Multi-racial/ethnic
Resource Type: Journal Article
Focus Areas: Nutrition & Agriculture Policy and Programs, Diet Quality, Healthy Weight
Keywords: Body mass index (BMI), Food insecurity, Fruits and vegetables, Nutrition standards, Sugar-sweetened beverages, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
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