Study: Snap Recipients Afforded More Health-related Benefits in Critical Areas

New research shows the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is tied to notable positive impacts on the overall health of participants. SNAP is the largest food hardship relief program in the United States, serving more than 25 million adults and nearly 15 million children. A study in the February 2023 Pediatrics (published online Jan. 30) indicates the benefits of SNAP go beyond increased access to affordable, adequate food. Improved health status – potentially including better development and lower risks of depression and obesity – and fewer trips to the ER among low-income children are also linked to SNAP. The federally funded program is particularly advantageous to children with special health care needs, whose chances of experiencing household food hardship drop by almost a third. Researchers say these additional health benefits should be factors in the policy discussions determining SNAP benefit levels.

###

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.