The effect of the supplemental nutrition assistance program on mortality

Colleen M. Heflin, Samuel J. Ingram, James P. Ziliak

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest food assistance program in the United States. Although participation in it has been shown to reduce food insecurity, there is comparatively less clear causal evidence of positive health effects of participation, particularly among adults. We examined the relationship between SNAP participation and premature mortality using data for 1997–2009 from the National Health Interview Survey, linked to data for 1999–2011 from the National Death Index. Results from bivariate probit models found that participation in SNAP led to a populationwide reduction of 1–2 percentage points in mortality from all causes and a reduction in specific causes of death among people ages 40–64.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1807-1815
Number of pages9
JournalHealth Affairs
Volume38
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2019

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health Policy

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