This review aimed to characterize individual- and structural-level stigma associated with utilization of government (i.e., SNAP, WIC) and emergency food programs (i.e., food banks, pantries, cupboards, soup kitchens) in the U.S. The review included original peer-reviewed articles or systematic reviews published between January 2004 – June 2024, in the U.S., in English. Included studies reported on data closely related to general food insecurity, government and emergency food program participation, and stigma manifestations among adults. This review underscores the significance of addressing food insecurity-related stigma to enhance the effectiveness of food assistance programs. Given the extensive evidence of the impact of stigma on program participation, policymakers and program administrators should design, implement and test strategies to address stigma. Future research should explore intersectional stigma, develop a food insecurity-related stigma measure, and evaluate stigma-reduction interventions longitudinally and across program settings.
Published: September 2025
ID #: 383000934
Journal: Am J Health Promot
Authors: Halverson MM, Appel EY, Earnshaw VA, Sands G, Powell R, Rozin M, Cruz Cordero T, Christostam N, Kennedy N, Katz SE, Sharma SV, Karpyn A
Age Group: Adults and Families
Focus Areas: Food Access, Nutrition Policy & Programs
Keywords: Food insecurity, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Resource Type: Journal Article
State: National
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