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 MoreApril 2024
Promoting Healthier Purchases: Ultraprocessed Food Taxes and Minimally Processed Foods Subsidies for the Low Income
Fiscal policies can shift relative food prices to encourage the purchase and consumption of minimally processed foods while discouraging the purchase and consumption of unhealthy ultraprocessed foods, high in calories and nutrients of concern (sodium, sugar, and saturated fats), especially for low-income households. The 2017–2018 packaged food purchase data among U.S. households were used to MoreMarch 2024