Food Insecurity and Mental Health: A Closer Look at SNAP and WIC participant

OBJECTIVE: Using data from the National Health Interview Survey (2011-2014), this project will examine 1) the association between mental health and food insecurity among SNAP and WIC participants; 2) if participation in SNAP and WIC mediates or moderates the relationship between mental health status and food insecurity among persons eligible for SNAP and WIC. Beginning in 2011, the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), with support from USDA?s Food and Nutrition Service and Economic Research Service, added the 10-item adult food security survey module to its questionnaire. This cooperative research project will examine the relationships among food insecurity, mental health and SNAP and WIC participation, focusing on two questions: 1. Is mental health status associated with FI among SNAP and WIC participants? Research using other data sources has found associations between depression and other mental health outcomes and food insecurity. The NHIS data includes the Kessler K6 non-specified distress scale to identify individuals with severe mental illness. The NHIS also includes other indicators of mental health, such as depression and anxiety and stress. Poor mental health is likely to be associated with food insecurity in the overall population and for SNAP and WIC participants. 2. Among those eligible for SNAP and WIC, does participation in these programs mediate or moderate the relationship between mental health status and FI? For this question, we will be looking at whether participation in SNAP and WIC reduces the effects of mental health on food security among eligible participants. We will use the same variables as in question1: mental health status as the independent variable, and food security as the dependent variable. However, SNAP and WIC participation will be included as mediating or moderating variables and the sample will include persons eligible for SNAP and persons eligible for WIC, constructed from the family income to poverty ratio using the following criteria: SNAP?family income less than 130% percent of the federal poverty; and WIC?family income less than or equal to 185% percent of the federal poverty.