Connect with us

SNAP

SNAP Recipients May Not Be Able To Meet Their Daily Nutrition Goals

SNAP Recipients May Not Be Able To Meet Their Daily Nutrition Goals

SNAP Recipients May Not Be Able To Meet Their Daily Nutrition Goals. A recent study reveals that participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), particularly those residing in low-income households and food deserts, may struggle to meet the recommended nutrition levels outlined by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Economic and Geographic Constraints Impacting Healthy Eating

Professor Nitesh Chawla from the University of Notre Dame emphasizes the critical issue of healthy eating in low-income communities. The combination of economic constraints and living in food deserts poses challenges for individuals as they navigate decisions about their family’s diet.

Computational Insights into SNAP Budget Allocation

Researchers employed a computational approach to assess whether SNAP participants could afford a healthy diet based on the Dietary Guidelines. Using a linear programming model, the study examined trade-offs between product nutrition and price, revealing difficulties in aligning a realistic men’s diet within the SNAP budget.

Trade-Off Analysis and Over-consumption of Nutrients

The study delved into the trade-off between cost and nutritional value, focusing on nutrients often over-consumed by Americans: sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars. The findings underscore a direct correlation between lower grocery costs and increased sodium intake.

SNAP Challenges in Meeting Daily Vitamin and Mineral Intake

Meeting daily vitamin and mineral intake proved particularly challenging for SNAP participants. The study highlights the complexity of finding affordable food items that align with dietary guidelines, especially in food deserts.

Implications for Food Deserts in St. Joseph County

Census data identifies 11 areas in St. Joseph County as food deserts, where residents face challenges related to distance and access to full-service grocery stores. The study emphasizes how these barriers are amplified for low-income households, potentially leading to a higher reliance on alternative food sources like food pantries.

Leveraging Technology to Address Food Insecurity

Notre Dame researchers are addressing food access challenges through the Food Information Networks (FINS) project. The initiative aims to develop an app that uses optimization methods to recommend healthier food items based on dietary goals and budgets, with a pilot program set for the Rum Village neighborhood.

Conclusion

The study sheds light on the ongoing struggle faced by SNAP recipients in meeting nutritional goals, especially in low-income and food desert areas. As technology emerges as a potential solution, the FINS project’s app aims to provide practical recommendations, potentially transforming eating habits and addressing issues of transportation constraints in underserved communities.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest

FNB Loan Application 2025 South Africa FNB Loan Application 2025 South Africa
Application2 months ago

FNB Loan Application 2025 South Africa

FNB Loan Application 2025 South Africa. In South Africa, FNB (First National Bank) remains one of the leading financial institutions...

SpecCon Learnership Application 2025 SpecCon Learnership Application 2025
Scholarships2 months ago

SpecCon Learnership Application 2025

SpecCon Learnership Application 2025. SpecCon offers a variety of accredited learnership programmes designed to meet the needs of both employed...

SASSA Change Phone Number Without OTP SASSA Change Phone Number Without OTP
sassa news2 months ago

SASSA Change Phone Number Without OTP

SASSA Change Phone Number Without OTP. If you’re a South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiary and need to update...

srd.sassa.gov.za Banking Details Status Check Balance srd.sassa.gov.za Banking Details Status Check Balance
sassa news2 months ago

srd.sassa.gov.za Banking Details Status Check Balance

srd.sassa.gov.za Banking Details Status Check Balance. The financial aspects of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants can be complex....

SASSA Grant Payment Dates for January 2025 SASSA Grant Payment Dates for January 2025
sassa news2 months ago

SASSA Grant Payment Dates for January 2025

SASSA Grant Payment Dates for January 2025. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is responsible for distributing social grants...

Can I Apply for a Child Grant on WhatsApp? Can I Apply for a Child Grant on WhatsApp?
sassa news3 months ago

Can I Apply for a Child Grant on WhatsApp?

Can I Apply for a Child Grant on WhatsApp? In recent years, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has...

SASSA Christmas Gift 2024 - Information bout December Grant Payments SASSA Christmas Gift 2024 - Information bout December Grant Payments
sassa news3 months ago

SASSA Christmas Gift 2024 – Information bout December Grant Payments

SASSA Christmas Gift 2024 – Information bout December Grant Payments. The festive season is a time for giving and receiving,...

Is it True That SASSA is Giving R700? Is it True That SASSA is Giving R700?
sassa news3 months ago

Is it True That SASSA is Giving R700?

Is it True That SASSA is Giving R700? In recent times, there has been widespread talk about the South African...

SASSA R700 Payment Application 2024 SASSA R700 Payment Application 2024
sassa news3 months ago

SASSA R700 Payment Application 2024

SASSA R700 Payment Application 2024. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has been an essential lifeline for many citizens,...

TFG Jewellery Internships 2024 / 2025 TFG Jewellery Internships 2024 / 2025
Internships3 months ago

TFG Jewellery Internships 2024 / 2025

TFG Jewellery Internships 2024 / 2025. Are you passionate about fashion, buying, and retail? If so, the TFG Jewellery Internships...

Trending