2. What Are The Effects Of Changing Demographic Characteristics On SNAP Participation Among Seniors?
From 2001 to 2013, Hispanics were 2 to 3 times more likely than non-Hispanics to be marginally food insecure (just below food insecurity). The proportions of seniors who were marginally food insecure was fairly stable among blacks ranging from 25% to 33% from 2001 to 2013 about 2 to 3 times more than white seniors (Ziliak & Gundersen, 2013, 2014). As the senior population becomes more diverse, there is an increase in the numbers of individuals who have higher risks of food insecurity, including racial and ethnic minorities. The demographic shift to a more diverse population is also related to the relationship between SNAP take-up and race. Eligible nonparticipating households with seniors are more frequently white and non-Hispanic. In 2009 the participation rate of eligible white non-Hispanic senior households were 25%. Conversely, eligible black non-Hispanics senior household participation was 41% and eligible participation by Hispanic senior households 47% (Leftin, 2011; Wu, …show more content…
There is a large body of literature that is captures the relationship between individual demographic characteristics and SNAP participation, but most of this work is limited to prime aged individuals. Additionally, work on the role of geographic location and the effect of state or local policies on SNAP participation also keeps the focus on the population as a whole or just prime aged individuals. And while research on food security notes that those of all ages are experiencing food insecurity have adverse health outcomes, it is particularly important to reduce food insecurity in seniors population as they are already at risk for adverse health. Trying to reduce the risk of negative health for seniors must be a priority for the United States social programming as seniors utilize federally funding health programs in large numbers. Prevention of adverse health outcomes is critical as a potential cost saving measure as the proportion of the population that is of senior status continues to rise at a greater than a fifth over the next