A Randomized Controlled Trial Measuring Effects of Extra Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits on Child Food Security in Low-Income Families in Rural Kentucky

BackgroundTo reduce childhood hunger, the US Department of Agriculture funded several innovative demonstration projects, including Kentucky Ticket to Healthy Food project.ObjectiveThe study tested hypothesis that would child food insecurity (FI-C) among rural, low-income households.DesignThe used a randomized controlled trial in which households were randomly assigned treatment and control groups. Outcomes measured using household surveys administrative data. Survey data collected at baseline (n=2,202) follow-up (n=1,639) 8 11 months into project.Participants/settingHouseholds 17 counties southeastern had least 1 younger than 18 years received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit amount less maximum baseline.InterventionBetween January 2017 March 2018, on SNAP additional monthly benefits ranging from $1 $122 based distance grocery store earned income.Main outcome measuresKey outcomes included FI-C (primary), adults households, expenditures (secondary).Statistical analyses performedLogistic linear regression models estimate differences between groups, controlling for characteristics. Socioeconomic subgroups also analyzed.ResultsThe project did not primary outcome, (treatment=37.1%, control=35.2%; P=0.812), or secondary very low security children (treatment=3.7%, control=4.4%; P=0.204) (treatment=53.9%, control=53.0%; P=0.654). The increased households’ spending by $20 (P=0.030) led more report lasted 3 weeks (treatment=65%, control=56%; P=0.009).ConclusionA raising with other measures. Future research should explore effect different increases collect repeated measures assess whether intervention effects change over time.Funding/SupportThis article is published as part supplement supported Agriculture, Service.