(P02-101-25) Sociodemographic Disparities in SNAP Participation Among Hawaii Households: Findings From the Children's Healthy Living Program

Objectives: To examine household-level characteristics associated with SNAP participation in Hawaii, with particular attention to Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (NHPI) populations.

Methods: Secondary analysis of cross-sectional baseline data from the Children's Healthy Living Program (CHL) in Hawaii (n=934). Data were collected from parents/caregivers of young children. Chi-square tests were used to examine associations between SNAP participation and household characteristics, including demographic, socioeconomic, and food security factors.

Results: SNAP participation was 49.5% among sampled households. Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (NHPI) households showed significantly higher SNAP participation compared to non-NHPI households (57.3% vs 22.7%, p< .0001). SNAP-participating households were characterized by lower educational attainment (8.2% vs 39.4% with 4-year degree), lower employment (42.2% vs 67.8%), and lower income (83.0% vs 27.3% below $35k annually) compared to non-SNAP households (all p< .0001). SNAP households reported higher food insecurity (49.9% vs 31.9%) and utility insecurity (44.9% vs 27.2%). While household size was larger among SNAP recipients, multigenerational living arrangements were similar between groups (p=0.2862).

Conclusions: Findings highlight disparities in SNAP participation across ethnic groups in Hawaii and identify significant associations between SNAP participation and household socioeconomic characteristics. Results suggest the need for targeted outreach and culturally appropriate interventions to address food insecurity among NHPI populations in Hawaii.

Funding Sources: Hawaii Department of Human Services, USDA NIFA