Comparing demographic and health characteristics of new and existing SNAP recipients: application of a machine learning algorithm.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) expanded significantly after the Great Recession of 2008-2009, but no studies have characterized this new group of recipients. Few data sets provide details on whether an individual is a new or established recipient of SNAP.

Objective

We sought to identify new and existing SNAP recipients, and to examine differences in sociodemographic characteristics, health, nutritional status, and food purchasing behavior between new and existing recipients of SNAP after the recession.

Methods

We created a probabilistic algorithm to identify new and existing SNAP recipients using the 1999-2013 waves of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. We applied this algorithm to the National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase

SUBMITTER: Hamad R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6462432 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature