The Relationship Between Food Insecurity and Food Assistance Program Participation in Families of Preschool Children in the Rio Grande Valley

Authors

Lisa MB Salinas, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Michael Machiorlatti, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Zasha Romero, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Lin Wang, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Elizabeth Alanis, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Roberto Treviño-Peña, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2024

Abstract

The South Texas Early Prevention Study-PreK, a cluster randomized trial, explored the Bienestar Coordinated School Health Program’s influence on health variables in South Texas children. Factors associated with food insecurity (FI) were analyzed. Income-to-poverty ratio, income, and food assistance (FA) program participation were all associated with FI. Forty percent of families (257/643) reporting FI did not utilize FA. Of those families with FI, but who reported no FA participation, 31.8% were FA eligible. Families experiencing FI may underutilize FA programs, despite eligibility. Curtailing obstacles preventing FA program participation and matching those who are eligible with FA programs are crucial.

Comments

© 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

https://www.tandfonline.com/share/YPMVPBPBNFNKGTJ4S7ZE?target=10.1080/19320248.2023.2166802

Recommended Citation

Salinas, L. M. B., Machiorlatti, M., Romero, Z., Wang, L., Alanis, E., & Treviño-Peña, R. (2024). The Relationship Between Food Insecurity and Food Assistance Program Participation in Families of Preschool Children in the Rio Grande Valley. Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition, 19(1), 67–85. https://doi.org/10.1080/19320248.2023.2166802

Publication Title

Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition

DOI

10.1080/19320248.2023.2166802