scholarly journals Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) does not support “Public Charge Rule” changes affecting immigrants’ food security

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina Young ◽  
Jenny Guadamuz ◽  
Marian Fitzgibbon ◽  
Joanna Buscemi ◽  
Angela Odoms-Young ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Immigrant Families ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Nutrition Assistance ◽  
Charge Rule

Abstract Federal nutrition assistance programs, especially the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), are an important safety net for households in the USA. Although few immigrant households are eligible for SNAP, those who need the program are less likely to participate than nonimmigrant households. Documented barriers to participation include language challenges and anti-immigrant rhetoric. However, previous research indicates that when immigrant households do participate in SNAP, their young children experience less food insecurity and the household as a whole makes fewer tradeoffs between food and other necessities. The Public Charge Rule limits ability to obtain a green card based on participation in public assistance programs. A recent change to this rule added programs to include some noncash programs, including SNAP. Although the vast majority of immigrants who are subject to the Public Charge Rule are not eligible for SNAP, misunderstanding of the rule and fear threaten to reduce SNAP enrollment and consequently increase food insecurity in immigrant families. Spillover effects may occur for families not targeted by changes in the Public Charge Rule as well as decreasing access to other safety net programs that are not impacted by the proposed changes, such as The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and school meals programs. In order to support the food security of immigrant families in the USA, we recommend that the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State remove all non-cash safety net programs from the Public Charge Rule.

scholarly journals Does Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Reduce Food Insecurity among Households with Children? Evidence from the Current Population Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3178
Author(s):  
Jun Zhang ◽  
Yanghao Wang ◽  
Steven T. Yen
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Current Population Survey ◽  
Population Survey ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Current Population ◽  
Households With Children ◽  
Nutrition Assistance

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to improve household diet and food security—a pressing problem confronting low-income families in the United States. Previous studies on the issue often ignored the methodological issue of endogenous program participation. We revisit this important issue by estimating a simultaneous equation system with ordinal household food insecurity. Data are drawn from the 2009–2011 Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement (CPS-FSS), restricted to SNAP-eligible households with children. Our results add to the stocks of empirical findings that SNAP participation ameliorates food insecurity among adults only, but increases the probabilities of low and very low food security among children. These contradictory results indicate that our selection approach with a single cross section is only partially successful, and that additional efforts are needed in further analyses of this complicated issue, perhaps with longitudinal data. Socio-demographic variables are found to affect food-secure households and food-insecure households differently, but affect SNAP nonparticipants and participants in the same direction. The state policy tools, such as broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) and simplified reporting, can encourage SNAP participation and thus ameliorate food insecurity. Our findings can inform policy deliberations.

scholarly journals Perspective: The Convergence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Food Insecurity in the United States

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason M Nagata ◽  
Hilary K Seligman ◽  
Sheri D Weiser
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
The United States ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
United States Food ◽  
Households With Children ◽  
Nutrition Assistance

ABSTRACT During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, food insecurity has doubled overall and tripled among households with children in the United States. Food insecurity and COVID-19 may exacerbate one another through bidirectional links, leading to a syndemic, or sequential disease clusters, which exacerbate one another. Experiencing food insecurity may be associated with macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies, which can weaken host defenses, thus increasing susceptibility to COVID-19. Food insecurity is associated with chronic medical conditions, which may afford a higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness. People experiencing food insecurity may have increased exposure to COVID-19 while procuring food. People with COVID-19 may be unable to work, generate income, and procure food while quarantined, which may exacerbate food insecurity. Clinicians should screen for food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide referrals to food-assistance programs when appropriate. Policymakers should expand benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to address increases in the depth and breadth of food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Food Assistance Programs and Food Security

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig Gundersen
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
The United States ◽  
Food Assistance ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Food Assistance Programs ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
Nutrition Assistance

Food insecurity is a leading public-health challenge in the United States today. This is primarily due to the magnitude of the problem—about 50 million persons are food insecure—and the serious negative health and other outcomes associated with being food insecure. This chapter first defines the measure used to delineate whether a household is food insecure. The measure, the Core Food Security Module (CFSM), is based on 18 questions about a household’s food situation. From the responses, a household is defined as food secure, low food secure, or very low food secure, with the latter two categories defined as “food insecure.” I next discuss the extent of food insecurity in the United States across various dimensions, the key determinants of food insecurity, and the multiple negative consequences associated with food insecurity. Two of the key policy tools used to address food insecurity are the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) and the National School Lunch Program. A brief overview and definition of the eligibility criteria for each program is provided along with a discussion of their respective impacts on food insecurity. This chapter concludes with four major current challenges pertaining to food insecurity and food assistance programs.

scholarly journals “It’s the story”: Online Animated Simulation of Cultural Competence of Poverty -- A Pilot Study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly Johnson ◽  
Melissa Fleck ◽  
Thomas Pantazes
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Competence ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ◽  
Educational Tool ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
Nutrition Assistance

Purpose: In this pilot study, researchers explore an online animated simulation as an educational tool for emerging health professionals to promote cultural competence of poverty, food insecurity, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.Methods: Researchers recruited participants in the allied health sciences for focus groups to explore the effectiveness of an online animation in promoting cultural competence of poverty, food insecurity, and public assistance programs. Participants were asked about their experience with the educational tool and changes in cultural competence regarding poverty, food insecurity, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Participants also responded to five survey questions about their experience of the educational tool and cultural competence of poverty. Transcripts from focus groups were coded according to the five constructs of the Campinha-Bacote model for cultural competence, and further coded for recurring themes within these constructs. Results: Eleven participants across four allied health professions including nutrition, occupational therapy, nursing and pre-physical therapy participated in two focus groups. Researchers found all five constructs of the Campinha-Bacote model in analysis of focus group transcripts, with awareness and desire expressed more frequently and intensely. Participants stated the animated simulation increased their empathy for people who experience poverty, food insecurity and who need public assistance programs. Conclusion: Researchers find that this online animated simulation was an effective tool to improve cultural competence of poverty for emerging healthcare professionals. Use of similar animations by educators of healthcare professionals may also change existing negative views towards those who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and reduce the barrier of stigma associated with the program.

Hunger, Nutrition, and Food Programs

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristine Siefert
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
High Standard ◽  
The United States ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
Adequate Funding ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
Nutrition Assistance ◽  
Nutrition Assistance Programs

Food insecurity and hunger are serious problems around the world, with an estimated 870 million people chronically undernourished. The vast majority of these people—an estimated 14.9%—live in developing countries. Although federal food and nutrition assistance programs and the generally high standard of living in the United States have eliminated the more extreme forms of hunger found in developing countries, less severe but nonetheless serious forms of hunger and food insecurity affect millions of households. Food and nutrition programs require adequate funding, increased access, and further evaluation, but to achieve the goals of ending hunger and assuring food security for all, multisectoral strategies that address the macro-level determinants of food security are needed.

scholarly journals Food Security and Diet Quality in Postpartum Women

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1007-1007
Author(s):  
Katelin Hudak ◽  
Sarah Gonzalez-Nahm ◽  
Tiange Liu ◽  
Sara Benjamin-Neelon
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Postpartum Women ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Nutrition Assistance

Abstract Objectives Food insecurity has been associated with poor diet-related health in women, but few prior studies focused on the postpartum period—a particularly important time for the health of women and children. We examined associations between food security and maternal diet quality in a racially diverse cohort of postpartum women. We further assessed whether participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) modified this potential relation. Methods We examined 363 women in central North Carolina from the Nurture study (2013–2017). We computed maternal food security status using the 10-item USDA food security survey module at 3 months postpartum. We calculated Alternate Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI) scores (range of 0 to 100) and component scores from food frequency questionnaires completed at 6 months postpartum. We conducted multiple linear regression examining associations between food security status (high, marginal, low, and very low) and AHEI, adjusting for age, race, education, marital status, number of children, breastfeeding, and total calories. We assessed WIC and SNAP as potential effect modifiers. Results Among women, 64.4% were Black and had a mean (standard deviation, SD) age of 28.2 (5.9) years. Nearly half (45.7%) had a high school diploma or less. Of women, 21.3% had low or very low food security. Mean (SD) AHEI score was 41.5 (11.3). We found no evidence of an interaction between food security and WIC or SNAP so we adjusted for both. In adjusted models, food security status at 3 months postpartum was not associated with AHEI (data not shown) at 6 months postpartum. However, low (ß: −0.64; 95% CI: −1.15, −0.13; P = 0.01) and very low (ß: −0.57; 95% CI: −1.02, −0.13; P = 0.01) food security were associated with a less healthy score for trans fat intake. Conclusions Food security status was not associated with overall diet quality in postpartum women. However, food insecure women showed higher consumption of trans fats. Future research should evaluate interventions to alleviate food insecurity in postpartum women, and assess whether these interventions lead to improved diet quality. Funding Sources National Institutes of Health.

scholarly journals Strengthening the Public Health Impacts of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Through Policy

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 453-480
Author(s):  
Sara N. Bleich ◽  
Alyssa J. Moran ◽  
Kelsey A. Vercammen ◽  
Johannah M. Frelier ◽  
Caroline G. Dunn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Us ◽  
Nutrition Assistance

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the cornerstone of the US nutrition safety net. Each month, SNAP provides assistance to 40 million low-income Americans—nearly half of them children. A number of changes could strengthen the public health impacts of SNAP. This review first presents a framework describing the mechanisms through which SNAP policy can influence public health, particularly by affecting the food security, the diet quality, and, subsequently, the health of SNAP participants. We then discusspolicy opportunities with the greatest potential to strengthen the public health impacts of SNAP, organized into three areas: ( a) food production and distribution, ( b) benefit allocation, and ( c) eligibility and enrollment. For each section, we describe current policy and limitations of the status quo, suggest evidence-based opportunities for policy change to improve public health, and identify important areas for future research.

scholarly journals How much does the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program alleviate food insecurity? Evidence from recent programme leavers

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 811-817 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Nord
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Adequate Food ◽  
The Us ◽  
Nutrition Assistance

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the effect of the US Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on the food security (consistent access to adequate food) of recipients, net of the effect of the self-selection of more food-needy households into the programme.DesignThe food security of current SNAP recipients and recent leavers is compared in cross-sectional survey data, adjusting for economic and demographic differences using multivariate logistic regression methods. A similar analysis in 2-year longitudinal panels provides additional control for selection on unobserved variables based on food security status in the previous year.SettingHousehold survey data collected for the US Department of Agriculture by the US Census Bureau.SubjectsHouseholds interviewed in the Current Population Survey Food Security Supplements from 2001 to 2009.ResultsThe odds of very low food security among households that continued on SNAP through the end of a survey year were 28 % lower than among those that left SNAP prior to the 30-d period during which food security was assessed. In 2-year panels with controls for the severity of food insecurity in the previous year, the difference in odds was 45 %.ConclusionsThe results are consistent with, or somewhat higher than, the estimates from the strongest previous research designs and suggest that the ameliorative effect of SNAP on very low food security is in the range of 20–50 %.

scholarly journals Scaling up measurement to confront food insecurity in the USA

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Byker Shanks ◽  
Eric E Calloway ◽  
Courtney A Parks ◽  
Amy L Yaroch
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
The United States ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
The Public ◽  
Core Set ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Usa

Abstract It is necessary to scale up measurement in order to confront the persisting problem of food insecurity in the United States (USA) are necessary. The causes and consequences around food insecurity are briefly described in order to frame the complexity of the public health issue and demonstrate need for expanded measurement approaches. We assert that measurement of food security in the USA is currently based upon a core set of rigorous metrics and, moving forward, should also constitute a supplemental registry of measures to monitor and address variables that are associated with increased risk for food insecurity. Next, we depict dietary quality as a primary example of the power of measurement to make significant progress in our understanding and management of food insecurity. Finally, we discuss the translational implications in behavioral medicine required to make progress on achieving food security for all in the USA.

scholarly journals Effect of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education (SNAP-Ed) on food security and dietary outcomes

2019 ◽  
Vol 77 (12) ◽  
pp. 903-921 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca L Rivera ◽  
Melissa K Maulding ◽  
Heather A Eicher-Miller
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Low Income ◽  
The United States ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ◽  
Supplemental Nutrition ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Nutrition Assistance ◽  
Study Designs

AbstractThe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education (SNAP-Ed) is the nutrition promotion component of SNAP, formerly known as food stamps. SNAP-Ed assists low-income populations in the United States improve dietary intake and reduce food insecurity through nutrition education. This narrative review summarizes current investigations of SNAP-Ed’s effectiveness at improving food security and dietary outcomes, and it can help inform future policy and implementation of the program. There was stronger evidence for SNAP-Ed as an effective means of improving food security (n = 4 reports) than for its effects on nutrition or dietary outcomes (n = 10 reports). Inconsistency in measurement tools and outcomes and a lack of strong study designs characterized the studies that sought to evaluate the effectiveness of SNAP-Ed at improving nutrition or dietary outcomes. Additional rigorous study designs in diverse population groups are needed to strengthen the evidence. In the face of reduced financial SNAP benefits, SNAP-Ed may play an important role in helping to eliminate food insecurity and improve dietary outcomes and, ultimately, the health of low-income Americans.

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