Influence of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Policy on Army Families\u27 Food Insecurity

Food insecurity (not having continuing access to nutritious food to maintain health) is common in the United States, especially in working poor households. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a well-documented safety net for individuals and families struggling with food insecurity. Little is known about the effect of SNAP policy on food insecurity in working poor military households. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to investigate the lived experiences of food-insecure Army families and the perceived influence of SNAP policy on their food-insecurity. The theoretical framework was policy feedback theory. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with 13 Army heads of households. Data were coded and categorized to identify 3 themes: impact of Army culture, federal programs as stabilization, and limiting SNAP policy. Participants struggle with food insecurity due to unique aspects of military culture, such as transition, and the limitations of current SNAP policy. Findings may be used to inform policymakers of the influence of SNAP policy on food insecurity in the U.S. Army