Food Insecurity and SNAP Use Among Immigrant Families with Children During the Economic Downturn

Immigrant workers are overrepresented in industries that have been the hardest hit in the recent economic downturn, such as the service and construction industries. As a result, many immigrant families have experienced increased economic insecurity. Federal policies restrict immigrants’ eligibility for safety net programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Some States have filled this gap by providing SNAP-like benefits to immigrants who are otherwise ineligible. We analyze immigrant families’ SNAP participation and food insecurity, using the Food Security Supplement of the Current Population Survey, 2003-10. Results show that immigrant families’ food insecurity has risen significantly more than that of other families during the downturn. We find that immigrant families are more likely to participate in SNAP and receive higher benefits in states that expand eligibility. Being eligible for SNAP was associated with lower food insecurity among immigrant families in the sample; however, this result was not statistically significant