A Summer Nutrition Benefit Pilot Program and Low-income Children’s Food Security

Abstract

SEBTC is a promising model to improve food security and the dietary quality of low-income school-aged children in the summer months.

Measuring the Effects of a Demonstration to Reduce Childhood Food Insecurity: A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Nevada Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Project

“…[17][18][19][20] Similarly, increases of approximately 16% to 19% in SNAP benefits arising from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 led to a statistically significant decline in household food insecurity and very low food security among households. 21 The SEBTC program-a demonstration program designed to provide food resources during summer months to households with school-aged children-led to a large and statistically significant reduction in FI-C. 22 Comparing the current and prior studies provides an opportunity to explore factors that might influence food insecurity for different households and at different times. These issues are discussed below.…”

Obesity and Hunger Threaten the Foundations of Child Health

“…S ummer food assistance via electronic benefit cards reduced the prevalence of very low food security among school aged children by one third and improved children's dietary quality. 52 …”

What a Summer Nutrition Benefit Program Could Mean for Clinicians and Their Patients

“…Approved sites, such as recreation centers, serve free meals and snacks. As noted by Collins et al,11 only a small proportion of children participate. In 2016, 3 million children participated in the summer meals program, one-sixth of the children who receive free or reduced-price meals.…”

“…3,16 Increasing research has resulted in strategies to address SDH screening in pediatric practices, and providing referrals in practices increases the resources families access. 17 -22 In their study, Collins et al 11 add further support to the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations by showing that once families are successfully connected to resources, they will use them.…”

“…In this issue of Pediatrics, Collins et al 11 have published "Impact of a Summer Nutrition Benefit on Low-Income Children's Food Security and Diet Quality, " which describes the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children demonstrations project. The US Department of Agriculture received funding to test a summer electronic benefit transfer (EBT) program for children receiving free or reducedprice school meals.…”