#16 Receives SNAP
What?
Key issues visualized by region
Families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) is a federal assistance program designed to help low-income individuals and families afford nutritious food. To qualify for SNAP, individuals and families must meet certain income and asset criteria.
Receives SNAP can be a risk factor. A higher percentage is less desirable.
Data Source: Policy Map. (2017-2021). Families receiving food stamps/SNAP benefits. [Data warehouse]
So What?
Explanation of the issue
When a high number of people in an area receive SNAP benefits, it indicates problems in the economy.
Getting SNAP benefits isn’t bad because people need them, but when a lot of people rely on them, it means there are underlying economic problems in the area. It tells us more about the economy than just looking at poverty rates.
Regions with high housing costs, unemployment, and heavy reliance on benefits like SNAP or WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) are likely facing economic challenges. Ideally, we want people to be in better financial situations, so they don’t need these benefits.
Even low levels of food insecurity are linked to common and costly health problems in adults, such as poor self-rated health, diabetes, obesity (especially in women), high blood pressure, pregnancy complications, and depression.
For children, food insecurity is even more harmful. It can cause lower health status, low birth weight, birth defects, anemia, more frequent colds and stomachaches, asthma, developmental risks, mental health issues, and poor academic performance. These problems affect both short-term and long-term health and the economy.
When families don’t have enough money, they might use harmful strategies to get by, like skipping medications, delaying medical care, or not following special diets. These actions can make existing health problems worse.
Types of Health Outcomes & Behaviors Associated with This Condition
The four Health Outcomes and Behaviors domains are (1) Smoking, Drugs, and Alcohol, (2) Safety, (3) Physical and Mental Health, and (4) Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes. Click to see a list of the conditions associated with each domain.
Now What?
Strategies in which either policy, investments, or interventions can impact the issue
These were chosen with an emphasis on the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of children from infancy through adolescence. This focus was selected to streamline and narrow the range of strategies. When you click on the links, you’ll be redirected to a third-party site.
