SNAP Benefit Cuts: How They’re Impacting Children’s Nutrition and Development

About 40% of the 42 million Americans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are children under 18. This aid helps families buy groceries, promoting better health for both kids and adults.

As a developmental psychologist, I study how stress and nutrition impact children’s mental and physical health—not just during childhood but into adulthood, too.

There’s a growing concern about the SNAP disruptions linked to the recent government shutdown and cuts from significant tax-and-spending legislation. These changes threaten to increase stress levels in children and limit their access to nutritious food.

Read more here.

Food insecurity refers to the lack of consistent access to enough nutritious food. It can lead to serious health issues in children, including asthma and obesity. Surprisingly, food insecurity is linked to a higher risk of obesity. This may happen because limited access to healthy options leads families to rely on cheaper, high-calorie foods.

Even brief disruptions in SNAP benefits can harm children. Research from a temporary food shortage in Kenya shows long-term impacts from short-term food scarcity.

Recently, a study from Northwestern and Princeton University followed over 1,000 American children into adulthood. It found that early food insecurity was linked to higher cardiovascular risks later in life. However, receiving SNAP benefits during childhood helped reduce these risks.

The stakes are even higher for pregnant women experiencing food insecurity. A study involving over 19,000 U.S. mothers revealed that food insecurity raises the chances of pregnancy complications, like preterm birth and gestational diabetes. But those who received SNAP assistance faced fewer risks.

Food insecurity doesn’t just impact physical health; it also affects mental well-being. A 2021 study involving over 100,000 children showed that those facing food insecurity had a 50% greater risk of anxiety and depression. This stress can lead to behavioral issues and academic challenges, creating a cycle that affects future job prospects.

Children facing food insecurity are often also dealing with other stressors, like poverty or lack of healthcare. When stress builds up, it can lead to serious mental and physical health issues.

Snap has its shortcomings, impacting families even before the recent changes. The benefits often do not cover the full cost of feeding a family, pushing many to rely on food pantries. For example, a grocer in South Dakota noted that he keeps his store open late on SNAP disbursement days, as many customers are eager to get their first real meals in days.

Overall, addressing food insecurity requires a layered approach. Ensuring that all families have access to nutritious food is essential for the health of the next generation.

Source link