Research over the past 15 years has consistently shown the positive impact of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on health outcomes and healthcare costs. SNAP, the nation’s primary anti-hunger program, has been linked to improved self-reported health, reduced risk of heart disease and obesity among adults who had access to SNAP as children, and greater medication adherence among older participants. Moreover, SNAP has proven effective in helping families buy adequate food, reducing poverty, and stabilizing the economy during recessions.

SNAP is a crucial source of nutrition assistance for low-income individuals, providing support to about 41.5 million Americans per month in 2021. The program aids low-paid working families, older adults with low incomes, and people with disabilities. Two-thirds of SNAP participants belong to families with children, while over a third are in households with older adults or people with disabilities. Despite its modest benefit of approximately $183 per month per person, SNAP plays a critical role in improving the health and well-being of low-income individuals, lifting many above the poverty line and enhancing food security.

Research has highlighted the challenges in pinpointing SNAP‘s impact due to its wide availability and the unique characteristics of its participants. However, studies indicate that SNAP extends beyond its primary goal of improving food security and nutrition. It has been associated with better health outcomes, lower healthcare costs, and improved access to preventive care. Food insecurity, which is addressed by SNAP, has been linked to adverse health outcomes and higher healthcare costs. People in food-insecure households tend to spend 45% more on medical care annually compared to those in food-secure households.

SNAP effectively reduces food insecurity, especially among children and those experiencing very low food security. Research has shown that food insecurity among children dropped by approximately one-third after their families received SNAP benefits for six months. SNAP participants also report better current and long-term health compared to low-income non-participants. Early access to SNAP during pregnancy and early childhood has been linked to improved birth outcomes and long-term health in adulthood. Elderly SNAP participants exhibit greater medication adherence and are less likely to forgo prescribed dosages due to cost. SNAP also improves access to preventive healthcare, leading to lower medical care costs for participants, particularly those with conditions like hypertension and coronary heart disease.

While SNAP is an effective program, there is room for improvement. Ensuring adequate benefits, expanding eligibility to currently ineligible individuals, and eliminating administrative barriers can strengthen the program. In the 2018 farm bill, Congress directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to update the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP), resulting in a 21% increase in maximum SNAP benefits in October 2021. This addressed the issue of households running out of benefits before the end of the month. Policymakers can further enhance SNAP by extending eligibility to certain groups currently excluded, such as adults facing time limits, lawfully present immigrants, and formerly incarcerated individuals with drug felony convictions. Additionally, regions like Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands need improved food assistance block grants to align with SNAP‘s flexibility in providing benefits during economic downturns.

The social and economic circumstances in which people live greatly impact their health outcomes. Poor social and economic conditions, including low income, inadequate education and housing, and insecure employment, contribute to worse health throughout life. Economic inequality and racial disparities play significant roles in health outcomes, with people of color experiencing higher rates of chronic disease and death. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed and exacerbated existing health disparities, with people of color facing disproportionate rates of infection, hospitalization, and death. Chronic financial hardships and the stress associated with them can have adverse effects on health, potentially leading to the onset or progression of chronic illnesses.

Food insecurity, stemming from limited access to adequate food, exacerbates health disparities. SNAP serves as a vital tool in mitigating these disparities by providing food assistance to those in need. By addressing food insecurity, SNAP positively impacts health outcomes and reduces healthcare costs, particularly among vulnerable populations. With continued research and evidence-based policies, SNAP can be further improved and leveraged to promote health equity and improve the overall well-being of individuals and communities across the United States.