(LB03-22-25) Examining the Impact of SNAP Participation on Food Security in Hawaii’s Households With Young Children

Objectives: Food insecurity disproportionately affects households with young children, particularly in low-income communities. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a key strategy for improving food security. This study examines the relationship between SNAP participation and food security in Hawaii households with young children.

Methods: We analyzed longitudinal data from 122 households with children aged 2–10 years in select Hawaii communities (2013–2015) from the Children’s Healthy Living Program. At baseline, households were classified as food secure (56.1%) or food insecure (43.9%). Household characteristics, including SNAP participation, income, household size, education, food costs, and food environment, were compared using chi-square tests. Adjusted logistic regression assessed the association between SNAP participation (baseline and follow-up) and food insecurity at follow-up, controlling for baseline food security, income, and household size. Food costs were assessed using an adapted Thrifty Food Plan for a family of four. Food environment quality was measured using the Communities of Excellence in Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Prevention (CX3) tool, with scores ≥75 indicating healthy retail standards.

Results: At baseline, food-insecure households had lower incomes ( < $35,000: 62.5%, p = 0.02), larger household sizes (5–8 members: 53.9%, p = 0.004), and higher SNAP participation (71.2% vs. 43.9%, p = 0.003). Households that began participating in SNAP by follow-up had higher odds of food insecurity (OR = 5.82 CI: 1.03 – 32.81, p = 0.04). Households continuously enrolled in SNAP showed no significant differences in food insecurity compared to non-participants. The average cost of a healthy diet for a family of four was $925.86, and the CX3 score (46.8) indicated limited healthy food availability.

Conclusions: Delayed SNAP enrollment may not immediately alleviate food insecurity, possibly due to eligibility barriers or time needed to experience benefits. Continuous SNAP participation may help stabilize food security. Addressing economic and structural barriers, including timely SNAP access and improved food environments, may enhance program effectiveness. Future research should explore SNAP’s long-term impacts on food security and economic stability in Hawaii.

Funding Sources: USDA NIFA, NIH