UCLA

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), historically known as the Food Stamp Program (FSP), has been an important policy to reduce hunger; however, it has also been paradoxically linked to overweight and obesity. This dissertation study examined profiles of California Food Stamp Program recipients (FSPR) in comparison to eligible non-recipients (ENR), for sociodemographics and food consumption behaviors in relation to average body mass index. FSPR were hypothesized to have a higher average BMI when compared to ENR. Two samples of data were used from the California Health Interview Survey ([CHIS]; years 2001 and 2009). The analytical sample was restricted to participants whose incomes were at or below 130% of the FPL, in order to exclude adults who were not eligible for receiving FSP benefits. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted, including factorial ANOVA and regression techniques. All analyses were weighted to account for the complex sampling design of the CHIS. Results demonstrated that FSPR and ENR are similar on most sociodemographics measured. Main effects for White and Latino ethnicities were observed in both 2001 and 2009 waves, with Whites having lower mean BMIs, and Latino participants having higher mean BMIs, than the reference groups (non-White, and non-Latino). An interaction effect was observed for education and FSP participation in the 2009 wave, with ENR who had more than a high school education having the lowest mean BMI. FSP participation significantly predicted higher mean BMI in both 2001 and 2009, controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, citizenship, food insecurity, neighborhood safety, fruit/vegetable consumption, and physical activity. Overall, results from the present dissertation study revealed that FSPR do have higher mean BMIs than ENR, but this effect of FSP participation was small. Why this phenomenon is occurring among FSPR is unclear, and is likely due to variables not found in the present datasets. Results should be viewed cautiously and do not negate the importance of the FSP in reducing hunger.