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Obesity, Poverty, and Participation in Nutrition Assistance Programs

Resource type
Research
Research type
Food Security
Nutrition Education
Promoting Healthy Eating
Resource Materials
PDF Icon ObesityPoverty.pdf (228.63 KB)

The national nutrition safety net consists of 15 programs that provide millions of low-income Americans access to a healthy and nutritious diet. It has been observed that many low-income individuals are both overweight and participants in one or more nutrition assistance programs. This has led some to question whether participation in the nutrition assistance programs contributes to the growing problem of overweight and obesity. This report presents the conclusions of an expert panel convened by the Food and Nutrition Service to determine if there is scientific evidence of a relationship between program participation and excess weight.

Page updated: December 02, 2021