The Role of SNAP in Home Food Availability and Dietary Intake among WIC Participants Facing Unstable Housing

Objective: Little nutrition research has been conducted among families with unstable housing. The objective of this study was to examine the role of food stamps (i.e., Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; SNAP) in home food availability and dietary intake among WIC families who experienced unstable housing. Design and Sample: Cross-sectional study among vulnerable families. Low-income, multiethnic families with children participating in WIC (n = 54). Measures: Dietary intake was assessed with 24-hr recalls. Home food availability was assessed with an adapted home food inventory for low-income, multiethnic families. Validation results from adapted home food inventory for these families are also reported. Results: SNAP households had more foods than non-SNAP households; few significant associations were observed between food availability and child dietary intake. Conclusions: With few exceptions, the home food environment was not related to children's dietary intake among these vulnerable families. More research is needed on food access for families facing unstable housing.