Food Insecurity & Nutrition Assistance Program

Aggregate food supply in the US provides 3,800 calories per person per day.

Food insecurity occurs when a family is not able to ensure:

 Predictable source of safe & nutritious food
 Unable to acquire food in a socially acceptable manner, like begging, stealing, foraging in trash bins

In 2009, USDA reported that 52 mill people live in food insecure households.
 14.7% of households in general
 16% of households w/ children
 17 mill children  1/200 children experiences hunger

Causes of hunger
 Cheap, overly processed foods
 Lower income
 No accessibility
 Weak economy
 Gov. subsidizing corn, wheat, soy
 Trade policies

Negative effects of food insecurity

 Children: weight gain, lower cognitive functioning, poor nutritional status, lack of nutrients, stunted
growth, more likely to be sick
 Adults: lower productivity, tired, depressed, stressed, low self-esteem, affects parenting
 Elderly: increases risk of infection & disease; mortality; decreases cognitive functioning

Populations at risk for being hungry or food insecure live in households that are:
 43% of households have income below poverty line (family of 4 = $22,000)
 37% are single mother households
 Households w/ children

Main federal nutrition assistance programs

1) SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program):

 Used to be food stamps, which started in 1930’s Great Depression
 Meant to supplement, not cover, household budget
 To be eligible: 1) Citizen or immigrant living in US for 5 years, 2) Income no higher than 130% above
poverty line, 3) Child who is disordered or disabled, 4) Working or training for a job
 Typical allotment of stamps per person: $100 per week = $3.50 per day
 Only 45% of eligible households actually receive assistance
 Doesn’t cover: alcohol, tobacco, non-foods (ex. hygiene, pet food), vitamins, medicine, pre-prepared
hot meals

2) WIC (Women, Infant and Children):

 Provides specific nutritional supplemental foods that are high in protein & iron, healthcare referrals, &
nutrition education
 Who are eligible: 1) Income no higher than 185% of federal poverty level, 2) Women from beginning of
pregnancy to end of lactation (age 1) (or 6 months post-partum), 3) Children up to age 5
 How unique? Provides specific nutritionally needed foods for a specific target group
 Important b/c of enhanced dietary needs for specific nutrients during these short, critical time periods of
physiological development
 Supports breastfeeding – supplies breath pump & bottles
WIC’s 2009 Modified food packages
 Added tofu, whole grains, fruits, veggies
 Banned canned fish or fruit juice
 Bad thing: Restricts milk to 2% of lower, but ADA recommends whole milk for children

Breast feeding benefits

 Inc. immune function b/c transferred antibodies
 Cheaper
 Lesser risk for obesity
 Positive nitrogen balance needed
 Extra calcium

Why are eligible people not taking advantage of SNAP or WIC?

 Social stigma/pride
 Not accepted everywhere, only select grocery stores (some farmers’ markets)
 Lots of paperwork
 No time to go into office b/c of work
 Language barrier for immigrants
 Transportation issue
 Households w/ undocumented immigrants, but doesn’t matter
 Not aware that it exists

How can lack of money lead to hunger & obesity?

 Cheap overly processed foods
 High in calories, but low in nutrients
 No access to gym
 Binge eating on fast food
 No access to grocery stores
 Empty calories