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. 2022 Jul 6;116(1):197-205.
doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqac049.

Food insecurity and ultra-processed food consumption: the modifying role of participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Cindy W Leung  1 , Aarohee P Fulay  1 , Lindsey Parnarouskis  2 , Euridice Martinez-Steele  3 , Ashley N Gearhardt  2 , Julia A Wolfson  4
Affiliations

Food insecurity and ultra-processed food consumption: the modifying role of participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Cindy W Leung et al. Am J Clin Nutr. .

Abstract

Background: Ultra-processed foods contribute to risks of obesity and cardiometabolic disease, and higher intakes have been observed in low-income populations in the United States. Consumption of ultra-processed foods may be particularly higher among individuals experiencing food insecurity and participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Objectives: Using data from the 2007-2016 NHANES, we examined the associations between food insecurity, SNAP participation, and ultra-processed food consumption.

Methods: The study population comprised 9190 adults, aged 20-65 y, with incomes ≤300% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Food insecurity was assessed using the Household Food Security Survey Module and SNAP participation over the past 12 mo was self-reported. Dietary intake was measured from two 24-h dietary recalls. Ultra-processed food consumption (percentage of total energy intake) was defined using the NOVA food classification system. Linear regression models were used to examine the associations between food insecurity, SNAP participation, and ultra-processed food consumption, adjusting for sociodemographic and health characteristics.

Results: More severe food insecurity was associated with higher intakes of ultra-processed foods (P-trend = 0.003). The adjusted means of ultra-processed food intake ranged from 52.6% for adults with high food security to 55.7% for adults with very low food security. SNAP participation was also associated with higher intakes of ultra-processed foods (adjusted mean: 54.7%), compared with income-eligible participants (adjusted mean: 53.0%). Furthermore, the association between food insecurity and ultra-processed foods was modified by SNAP participation (P-interaction = 0.02). Among income-eligible nonparticipants and income-ineligible nonparticipants, more severe food insecurity was associated with higher consumption of ultra-processed foods. Among SNAP participants, the association between food insecurity and consumption of ultra-processed foods was nonsignificant.

Conclusion: In a nationally representative sample of adults, food insecurity and SNAP participation were both associated with higher levels of ultra-processed food consumption.

Keywords: NHANES; SNAP; food insecurity; health disparities; ultra-processed food.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Least squared means from multivariable linear regression models of ultra-processed food intake by household food security status and SNAP participation adjusted for sociodemographic and health characteristics, NHANEs 2007–2016 (n = 9190). P-interaction between household food security and SNAP participation was 0.02. *Significant difference from income-eligible nonparticipants with high food security P = 0.0002; **significant difference from income-ineligible nonparticipants with high food security P = 0.03; †significant difference from SNAP participants with high food security P = 0.002. SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
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