Factors Associated With Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Participation Among the Working Poor: Findings From 2012 American Community Survey

The goal of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is to assist food insecure households by providing federally allocated funds to increase purchasing power and ultimately achieve a more nutritious diet; however, working poor households tend to be underserved by SNAP. This study identified factors associated with SNAP participation in a nationally representative sample of the working poor (adults with household incomes ≤ 130% of the poverty level who worked 27 or more weeks during the year). Data were from the 2012 American Community Survey. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine independent factors associated with SNAP participation. Adjusting for all other factors and state of residence, those more likely to participate in SNAP included those who were women; younger; non-Hispanic black or Hispanic; separated/divorced; less educated; U.S. citizens; English-speaking; disabled; with no health insurance; on government health plan; moved within the past year; lived in household with no access to a vehicle; paid more for electricity; multigenerational; and those who had at least one child member or one or more elderly members (P <.05, for each). SNAP outreach and policy may be more effective by targeting the working poor, specifically segments of the population who are less likely to participate in SNAP.