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Researchers have found that the federal Food Stamp Program makes a significant difference in the dietary well-being of poor children in the U.S. The study found that food stamp participation reduces dietary deficiencies among low-income youngsters by 30-50% for certain nutrients, and over 70% for others. Half of all food stamp recipients are children.
The findings indicate that food stamps can make the difference between health and illness for millions of poor American youngsters.
Based on a continuing survey of food consumption carried out by the Department of Agriculture, the study compared the diets of poor children ages 1-5 receiving food stamps with poor children of the same ages not receiving food stamps. It found that food stamps reduce deficiencies in food energy (calories) among low-income children by 31%, and deficiencies in calcium, critical for normal bone growth, by 34%.
Deficiencies in iron, required for red blood cell formation and to fight infection, are reduced over 18% among children when their families receive food stamps. Deficiencies in zinc, important for growth and immune function, are reduced by 26%.
These new findings come on the heels of other research evidence showing that even mild undernutrition can produce cognitive impairments in childhood. This report suggests that if we do not support programs like food stamps to protect our kids, their development will be adversely affected, to the detriment of our nation's productivity.
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