Economics and Nutrition

Economics and Nutrition

Economics and Nutrition

Consuming a nutritious diet can be a challenge for many individuals, especially those dealing with financial issues. About 40.6 million Americans lived in poverty in 2016, making them more susceptible to worse health outcomes and less healthcare access (Food Research and Action Center [FRAC], 2017). Food insecurities are defined as poor food intake or eating patterns due to a lack of money and resources, common in the poor population. Different food assistance programs are available to the community, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This program provides food benefits, education on food preparation, and access to a healthy diet to low-income households. To be eligible for this program, the individuals must be Florida residents and have a current bank balance under $2,001 or less than $3,001 if they live with someone with a disability or be older than 60 (FRAC, 2017)