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Rural SNAP Participants and Food Insecurity: How Can Communities Leverage Resources to Meet the Growing Food Insecurity Status of Rural and Low-Income Residents?

Author

Listed:
  • Emily DeWitt

    (Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA)

  • Rachel Gillespie

    (Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA)

  • Heather Norman-Burgdolf

    (Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA)

  • Kathryn M. Cardarelli

    (College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA)

  • Stacey Slone

    (Department of Statistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA)

  • Alison Gustafson

    (Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA)

Abstract

The burden of obesity disproportionately influences poor health outcomes in rural communities in the United States. Various social and environmental factors contribute to inadequate food access and availability in rural areas, influencing dietary intakes and food insecurity rates. This study aims to identify patterns related to food insecurity and fruit and vegetable consumption within a SNAP-eligible and low-income, highly obese rural Appalachian community. A prospective cohort was implemented to identify gaps in resources addressing obesity and food insecurity challenges. SAS 9.4 software was used to examine differences in dietary intakes and shopping practices among SNAP participants. Among participants ( n = 152), most reported an annual household income less than USD 20,000 ( n = 90, 60.4%), 29.1% reported food insecurity, and 39.5% reported receiving SNAP benefits within the last month. The overall mean FV intake was 3.46 daily servings (95% CI: 3.06–3.91) among all participants. SNAP participation was associated with food insecurity ( p = 0.007) and those participating in SNAP were two times more likely to report being food insecure (OR = 2.707, 95% CI: 1.317, 5.563), relative to non-participants. These findings further depict the need for intervention, as the burden of food insecurity persists. Tailoring health-promoting initiatives to consider rurality and SNAP participation is vital for sustainable success among these populations.

Suggested Citation

  • Emily DeWitt & Rachel Gillespie & Heather Norman-Burgdolf & Kathryn M. Cardarelli & Stacey Slone & Alison Gustafson, 2020. "Rural SNAP Participants and Food Insecurity: How Can Communities Leverage Resources to Meet the Growing Food Insecurity Status of Rural and Low-Income Residents?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-14, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:17:p:6037-:d:401190
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gregory, Christian & Ver Ploeg, Michele & Andrews, Margaret & Coleman-Jensen, Alisha, 2013. "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Participation Leads to Modest Changes in Diet Quality," Economic Research Report 262225, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    2. Nguyen, B.T. & Shuval, K. & Bertmann, F. & Yaroch, A.L., 2015. "The supplemental nutrition assistance program, food insecurity, dietary quality, and obesity among US adults," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(7), pages 1453-1459.
    3. Caroline Ratcliffe & Signe-Mary McKernan & Sisi Zhang, 2011. "How Much Does the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Reduce Food Insecurity?," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 93(4), pages 1082-1098.
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    1. Natalie Jones & Deirdre Dlugonski & Rachel Gillespie & Emily DeWitt & Joann Lianekhammy & Stacey Slone & Kathryn M. Cardarelli, 2021. "Physical Activity Barriers and Assets in Rural Appalachian Kentucky: A Mixed-Methods Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-12, July.
    2. Kathryn M. Cardarelli & Emily DeWitt & Rachel Gillespie & Rachel H. Graham & Heather Norman-Burgdolf & Janet T. Mullins, 2021. "Policy Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Insecurity in Rural America: Evidence from Appalachia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-13, December.
    3. Rachel Gillespie & Emily DeWitt & Stacey Slone & Kathryn Cardarelli & Alison Gustafson, 2022. "The Impact of a Grocery Store Closure in One Rural Highly Obese Appalachian Community on Shopping Behavior and Dietary Intake," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-12, March.

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