Newsletter
Contact
Given the coexistence of hunger and obesity in the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can play a critical role in addressing these public health problems. In April 2012, 46.2 million people were enrolled in SNAP, of whom nearly 50 percent are children. The reauthorization of the SNAP program presents an opportunity to explore strategies to improve the nutritional status of beneficiaries. This report summarizes an analysis that examined the feasibility of enhancing nutritional policies in SNAP and describes 10 key recommendations identified by the project team that, taken together, could help improve the nutritional health and prevent obesity among SNAP recipients.
Published: July 2012
ID #: CAS007
Publisher: Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, Health and Medicine Program
Authors: Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, Health and Medicine Program
Age Groups: Adolescents (grades 9 to 12), Adults and Families, Elementary-age children (grades K to 5), Preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5), Young adolescents (grades 6 to 8)
Keywords: Corner store, Farmers' markets, Food insecurity, Food outlet, Fruits and vegetables, Grocery store, Nutrition standards, Point-of-decision prompts, Sugar-sweetened beverages, Supermarket, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Focus Areas: Food Access, Food Marketing, Nutrition Policy & Programs, Pricing & Economics
Race/Ethnicity: Multi-racial/ethnic
State: National
Resource Type: Report
Related Research
April 2011
SNAP to Health: Recommendations to Improve Nutrition in the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest federal food assistance program in the United States. In April 2012, a record 46.2 million people—approximately 15% of the U.S. population—were enrolled in SNAP. Nearly 50 percent of SNAP beneficiaries are children. Given the significant reach SNAP has among the lower-income populations most vulnerable to food MoreMay 2026
Ultraprocessed Foods in the U.S.: Recommended Definitions and Policies
Despite growing interest in ultraprocessed foods (UPFs), there is not consensus on how to define UPFs for policy purposes. To meet this need, Healthy Eating Research convened an expert panel to develop evidence-informed recommendations for policymakers and advocates interested in advancing policies to limit UPF exposure and consumption at the local, state, and federal levels. MoreMay 2026