How SNAP Reduces Health Disparities in the United States

Food insecurity is the leading indicator of well-being for vulnerable children in the United States due to the magnitude of the problem (9.3 million in 2021) and the associated numerous negative health and other consequences. Given the magnitude of food insecurity and its health consequences, food insecurity is a leading contributor to health disparities in the U.S. today. It follows, then, that if we want to reduce health disparities in the U.S. a necessary condition is to reduce food insecurity. The primary tool used to reduce food insecurity is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program). In this paper, I provide an overview of food insecurity in the U.S., a description of SNAP and its role in alleviating food insecurity, and conclude with some suggestions for SNAP to become even more successful at alleviating food insecurity.