An Analysis of Equity in Service Provided by the SNAP-Ed Program: A Comparison of Dietary Outcomes among African American and White Participants in Louisiana

Structural racism has contributed to increased poverty, food insecurity, and obesity rates among African Americans relative Whites. Nutrition education programs should therefore consider how well they serve this population. The objective of investigation was assess whether American White Supplemental Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) participants in Louisiana had comparable dietary behavior outcomes by conducting secondary data analysis previous program evaluations from 2017-2018 2018-2019 SNAP-Ed (n = 434). Variables measured included pre- post-intervention changes behaviors (e.g., self-reported consumption frequency fruit, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, sugar-sweetened beverages, juice). Statistical analyses t-tests stratified race Pearson’s chi-square test for categories change behaviors. In categorical analyses, Whites consumption, decreased grain pasta following participation. Among those who did not patterns participation, were more likely consume fruit juice juice-flavored sugary drinks at a rate above median compared participants. Future research identify participation is followed different races explore could specifically address barriers equity.